Landowners, farmers and smallholders would rightly have a copy of the excellent book by John Seymour, 'The Fat of the Land'. But would Shepway District Council really need one?
In a statement issued this week by David Monk, the purchase of 357 acres in Sellindge was carried out in haste and is explained in SDC documentation:
DECISION MAKING PROCESS
As the land acquisition relates to an urgent decision outside the budget and policy framework there are certain procedural steps to take. This Constitution, under the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure rules, allows an officer to take a decision which is contrary to the Council's policy framework or contrary to or not wholly in accordance with the budget approved by full Council if the decision is a matter of urgency. However. the decision may only be taken if:
1. It is not practical to convene a quorate meeting of the full Council, and
2. Where the decision is subject to call-in the Chairman of the Resources Scrutiny Committee agrees that the decision is a matter of urgency.
SDC paid 5.263 million pounds for the land including fees which we feel is way over top for arable land. But will it stay arable for very long? Who knows? We only ask the question.
It begs the question: Why was it so urgent? And why did SDC pay over top just for arable land.? Were other landowners interested in buying it for longer term farming activities?.
If SDC had invested the money elsewhere (and let's all hope they don't follow the lead of Kent County Council and invest it in Iceland) they could have generated income of around £50,000 per annum.- Not to be sniffed at.
However, they say that through a SHORT TERM leasing of the land this loss would be covered. Why not long term?
So there you have it. If you need to know more or wish to read the full report please telephone Jeremy Chambers on 01303 853503 and ask for report number A/15/20.
We will be coming back to this matter later in the year.
S&DRA.
