The land at Ashley Farm and Newton Farm is owned by the Council and comprises a block of agricultural land currently let under grazing licences and a sports ground leased to Belmont Wanderers Football Club who are part of the Southside Project group and have agreed to surrender their existing lease.

The Southside Project Group (comprising NMITE the new Hereford University, Belmont Wanderers FC and Grow Local CIC who encourage and educate communities to grow and eat local food) have been identified as a recipient of Stronger Towns funding which forms part of the Governments’ levelling up agenda to deliver community facilities to enhance the well-being of local residents.

In line with the council’s CAT policy the Southside Project members have submitted reasoned and detailed business cases demonstrating the community/sporting/educational value they can deliver as a result of the grant of the lease and that they have financial resource at their disposal to take on responsibility for the property and deliver the identified outputs.

The business cases have been evaluated by a panel of officers from across the council and has recommended that the grant of the lease is progressed

The following terms have been agreed-

The rent to be discounted in line with the independent valuation advice received to reflect the social and community value the project will deliver

The lease to be for a term of 35 years with provision for rent review
The tenant will be responsible for all repairs, maintenance, compliance
with statute and all outgoings in respect of the property

The use will be restricted to community, sporting and educational purposes

The lease will be subject to confirmation that Stronger Towns funding has been approved and that all necessary planning and other statutory consents have been sought and obtained