That:

a)    A new lease for a term of forty years is granted from 1 August 2030 surrender of part of the existing lease and short term lease at the northern end of the site, in accordance with the agreed key terms in Appendix 2;

b)    Finalisation of the heads of terms for the new lease, interim arrangements and all operational decisions relating to the above recommendations be delegated to the Director for Economy and Environment in consultation with the cabinet member for community and assets

1.            Do nothing: This is not recommended as the current length and terms of the existing lease does not allow for HFC to take advantage of external funding opportunities as they become available. There is currently opportunities for funding through the football foundation who require security of a long lease. The length of the new lease confirms Herefordshire Councils commitment to retaining football in the city council and enables long term investment of the remainder of the facilities’

2.            Renew lease on the same terms: This is not recommended as the current length and terms of the existing lease is not sufficient to take advantage of external funding opportunities as detailed above

3.            Not renew the lease: Although termination will give the council vacant possession of the site, This is not recommended because the council is committed to supporting the retention of football in the county and without an alternative location being identified the decision to not renew the lease would impact the ability of the club to meet the tenure requirements of future funding opportunities as detailed above