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Clearing House Arrangements

Information Note No: 1/99 March 1999

Clearing House Arrangements - Use of D1 Forms

Property Centres are reminded that the disposal process is triggered by submission of a completed CAU/D1 form sent to the local VLA office and, at the same time, copied to CAU by the disposing body.

CAU check the form to ensure that all the necessary information has been provided and that the documentation is correct. If necessary the D1 will be returned for clarification or amendment.

Consideration is then given to which, if any, Property Centres should be circulated. In the majority of cases it will be obvious that circulation is not appropriate due to the nature of the land e.g. road verge, strips of garden etc.,. Disposing Bodies will, in these cases, be informed that circulation is considered unnecessary and CAU will file the papers for future reference.

If it is decided that the property should be circulated :

  1. A standard letter will be issued to the Property Centres in question - this letter will be accompanied by maps and any other associated documentation.
  2. Property Centres have three weeks from the date of receipt to confirm their interest.
  3. If there is no reply in that time it is assumed that there is no public sector interest and, apart from notifying the disposing body that the circulation process has been completed, no further CAU action is required.
  4. If there is a positive reply CAU will notify the disposing body.
  5. Property Centres who initiate bids will be required to make a business case, including an economic appraisal on 'Green Book' lines, to their own Accounting Officer or Minister in support of the prospective purchase. VLA will provide advice on the appraisal process and assess the price at which the transfer will be made.

The Disposal Guidelines emphasize that disposals should never be unnecessarily delayed. It is therefore essential that in cases where resort to the open market is likely preparations for this continue up to the point where estate agents can be instructed as soon as is practically possible, in tandem with the circulation of Property Centres. Information Note Index