Calls for council to move back to old headquarters

Nottinghamshire County Council was based at County Hall for more than 70 years

Labour has called for Nottinghamshire County Council to move back to its former headquarters.

The council officially relocated to Oak House near Hucknall in March under the Conservatives, who argued County Hall was too costly to run.

Reform UK has since taken charge of the authority at the local elections, and the new council leader has expressed an interest in holding meetings at the old base in West Bridgford.

A motion due to be discussed at the first full meeting of the new administration next week says County Hall is "recognisable to residents across the county and is easily visited by hundreds of members of the public each month, thanks to its location and excellent transport links".

"In comparison, Oak House is a costly and unsuitable replacement as the civic centre of Nottinghamshire, located remotely and without sufficient transport links," it says.

Oak House has been the council's HQ since March

The motion, tabled by Labour group leader Penny Gowland, would commit the council to exploring how County Hall could be maintained as the headquarters.

If passed, the authority would also look at options to dispose of Oak House or lease some of the space, "the proceeds of which can be used to fund other areas of council business".

Speaking earlier this week, incoming council leader Mick Barton said he had asked if next week's meeting could be held "at this magnificent council chamber" [County Hall], but was told the microphone system had already been moved to Oak House.

"I shall be looking at the whole raft moving forward of where we feel we need to be based," he added.

Conservative group leader and former council leader Sam Smith said it would cost about £50m to keep County Hall functional.

"When proposing the motion next week, Labour will have to set out what libraries they propose to close, which waste recycling centres they'll close, what roads and pavements they will not resurface and what schools they will not build in order to fund the £50m renovation," he said.

Plans for the future of County Hall have never been confirmed, but it has previously been suggested it could be turned into housing, restaurants and bars.

The 22 May meeting, due to be held at Oak House, will also see Barton formally confirmed as the authority's new leader.