CREDITON Town Council is continuing in its efforts to push for acquisition of Mid Devon District Council assets in the town ahead of Local Government Reorganisation.

In addition to play areas throughout the town, car parks and other areas, the town council is finding that pushing forward the Asset Transfer of Crediton Town Square from Mid Devon District Council is proving more and more complicated.

In a report to Crediton Town Council’s Oversight Committee on Tuesday, July 28, the Town Clerk made recommendations to the committee regarding the council seeking to secure the long-term future of the Town Square through transfer of ownership from MDDC.

Rachel Avery explained that recent correspondence from MDDC confirms that legal advice received by MDDC is that any transfer of title before the expiry of a grant used to fund the Town Square before the expiry of the grant clawback period in 2029 would trigger repayment of the Homes England grant.

She explained: “MDDC’s current position is therefore that a freehold transfer cannot proceed at this time.”

She continued: “MDDC has advised that Homes England has indicated agreement in principle to a lease arrangement and that consideration is being given to a lease containing a mechanism that could trigger a transfer of title upon expiry of the grant clawback period in 2029. However, both MDDC Legal Services and Homes England are continuing to consider whether such an arrangement would be acceptable.

“MDDC has suggested that progressing discussions regarding lease terms may be the most realistic option currently available.

“The Town Council has consistently sought a long-term solution that secures the future of the facility for the benefit of the local community.”

She added: “Whilst a lease would provide a greater degree of certainty than the current arrangement, it would not provide ownership of the asset and would leave some uncertainty until a future transfer can be achieved.

“An alternative approach would be for CTC to make direct representations to Homes England, setting out the community benefits of transferring the asset into local ownership and requesting consideration of a transfer before 2029, or clarification regarding any alternative arrangements which may be acceptable within the grant conditions.

“Alternatively, CTC may wish to progress with lease arrangements with MDDC, whilst simultaneously continuing lease discussions with Mid Devon District Council, thereby preserving all available options for securing the long-term future of the facility.”

The clerk prepared a draft letter to Homes England to ask it to consider an acceptable route forward.