Decision details

Urgency decision - Disposal of the Budleigh Salterton Fire & Rescue Station.

In accordance with the urgency provisions of Standing Order 27 and following consultation with the Authority Chair, to approve the disposal of the Budleigh Salterton Fire & Rescue Station on the most economically advantageous terms for the Authority, in accordance with legislative Best Value requirements.

At its extraordinary meeting on 10 January 2020, the Authority considered the outcome of the consultation on a new Service Delivery Operating Model and in light of this approved the closure of the Budleigh Salterton Fire & Rescue Station, with affected firefighters allowed to respond from Exmouth Fire & Rescue Station.

The Authority’s procedures would normally require the full Authority to approve the disposal of any land where a conveyance would be involved. Response to the Covid-19 pandemic has, however, included, amongst other things, a variation in the timing and frequency of formal Authority meetings as provided for by Regulations.

It is considered that awaiting the next formal Authority meeting would introduce an unnecessary delay to progressing disposal of the asset, given that the closure decision was taken in January of this year and affected firefighters are now operating from Exmouth Fire & Rescue Station. Consequently, the decision to dispose of the asset has been taken by the Chief Fire Officer, following consultation with the Authority Chair, in accordance with the urgency procedures of Standing Orders.

To seek (in accordance with normal procedural requirements) full Authority approval for the disposal at its next meeting on 23 October 2020.