PAPER J
RYDE
TOWN COUNCIL
Briefing Note To:
Meeting of the Full Town Council - 5th July 2021
Proposer:
Councillor Jenna Sabine
Proposal:
That the Town Council:
1. Supports the idea of Westridge Farm becoming a Community Farm.
2. That Ryde Town Council apply to the Isle of Wight Council for Westridge
Farm to be listed as an Asset of Community Value.
Proposal by Way of Notice of Motion
Ryde Town Council supports the principle of the establishment of Westridge
Community Farm as an important community asset to preserve within the RTC
boundary the production of local farm produced products for the benefit of the
physical and mental-well-being of Ryde Residents including access for local children
to learn about the countryside and farming.
The Town Council supports the land being retained as Countryside and used as an
educational and community resource. The Town Council has objected to the planning
application for housing on the site.
The motion proposes that Ryde Town Council applies to the IW Council to list
Westridge Farm as a community asset under the Localism Act 2011.
Budget Implications
Advice may be sought from the RFO
To be voted on as to whether RTC financially supports this motion. No budget has been
allocated for this in this financial year.
The expected legal costs are approximately £2000.
Ryde Town Council would need to consider at a later date whether they would contribute
financial to a Community Bid to purchase the Farm.
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Legal Powers
The Town Council has the right under the Localism Act 2011 to request that Westridge Farm
be listed as an asset of Community Value. The Isle of Wight Council will access the evidence
and decide whether the application fits the listing criteria.
If listed this would halt any sales for six months to enable the Community to submit a bid for
the Farm, although the owner would not be obligated to accept the offer.
Name
Councillor Jenna Sabine
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