As part of the Council’s devolvement of managing assets across the district, the allotments at Love Lane and South Undercliff, Rye, as shown at Appendix 1 to the report, were let to Rye Amenity Community Interest Company (CIC) under a single lease covering both sites, for a term of 25 years from 1 December 2013.  The terms included a provision for either party to break the lease at the end of the tenth year (30 November 2023) upon serving one year’s notice, i.e. by 30 November 2022.  Thereafter, there would be no further opportunity to break the lease until the expiry date in November 2038.

Discussions were currently being held with Rye Town Council (RTC) regarding devolvement of Council-owned assets which included these allotments.  At present, no terms had been agreed.  However, should the allotments be devolved to RTC, it was considered sensible that the lease break option with Rye Amenity CIC be initiated to allow flexibility for future management purposes.  Other options would need to be considered should the devolvement opportunity not be agreed by November 2023 with RTC.

After deliberation, Cabinet agreed that delegated authority be granted to the Property Investment and Regeneration Manager to exercise the break clause in the lease dated 1 December 2023 between the Council and Rye Amenity CIC.

RESOLVED: That the Property Investment and Regeneration Manager be authorised to implement the break clause in the lease dated 1 December 2013 between Rother District Council and Rye Amenity Community Interest Company.