Pelham House for sale

Cabinet members this week declared the building 'surplus to county council requirements' and voted to move staff and property to County Hall. It will be sold at 'not less than its open market value' by the council's director of corporate resources, Sean Nolan.

Members agreed with officers' recommendations to approve the transfer of staff from Pelham House and Westfield House to County Hall, in St Anne's Crescent, during 2003.

The building currently houses 50 staff, including chief executive Cheryl Miller and her staff and the legal and community services department.

In a report to cabinet, Mr Nolan said: 'The advantages of the move are not just financial but also managerial. Co-location of the chief executive closer to the directors, of cabinet members closer to officers and closer location of members generally to headquarters staff will bring significant benefits in terms of corporate working and communication.'

Pelham House is so-called because of its association with the Pelham family, who occupied the house for most of the 18th Century.

The present house, in St Andrew's Lane, is on the site of the old St Andrew's Church. It is believed some of the church structure lies under the courtyard where councillors and staff park their cars today.