Decision details

To accept a surrender of a lease dated 8th November 2019 for 14 - 16 Water Lane, Bishop’s Stortford

Decision Maker: Director for Communities

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

The purpose of this report is to seek consent to accept a surrender of a lease dated 8th November 2019 for use of the premises at 14 - 16 Water Lane, Bishop's Stortford as a restaurant.
The business opened just before the first Covid 19 lockdown and as a result was severely impacted before it was able to establish a resilient financial and trading position, with the business closing in early 2022. The council has negotiated a surrender of the lease and a payment plan regarding outstanding costs due to the council. The property is now empty and options for the future of the property are being considered together with the council’s wider land ownership in this location.

Decision:

To accept a surrender of the lease dated 8th November 2019 between the council and the tenants for the premises at 14 - 16 Water Lane, Bishop's Stortford.

Alternative options considered:

Option 1 - a)To leave the tenants in occupation. NOT RECOMMENDED as the tenants have informed the council they are not able to continue trading and thus meet costs payable to the council.

Publication date: 09/04/2026

Date of decision: 11/02/2026

Accompanying Documents: