Decision details

GSK (formerly Glaxo Properties Ltd) hold a 125 year ground lease from the Council for their premises in Park Road, Ware. A strip of amenity land at the site entrance was omitted from this lease. The land has been used by the company to site their signboard on and forms part of the access into their property. It has been maintained by the company to a good standard as grassed amenity land. Terms have been agreed to regularise this situation and grant a new lease for 95 years terminating on 23 November 2120 co-terminus with the existing lease of the remainder of the site. GSK will pay a premium of £5,000 to the Council and a peppercorn rent. GSK will be responsible for all maintenance and repair of the land and any other outgoings. The Council will have no financial or maintenance responsibilities. All other terms will be in line with the existing lease.

To grant a new 95 year lease to GSK on terms agreed and outlined above for a premium payment to the Council of £5,000.

Option 1 - The Council could retain the land and ask GSK to remove the signboard. However the land has no commercial or operational value to the Council and naturally forms visual amenity land at the entrance to this site. If the Council were to recover the land it would incur the costs of future maintenance.