Decision details

Proposed decision:

The Deputy Leader to agree to:

1.    the disposal of Land at the junction of West Malling Bypass and land South of the London Road, Leybourne; and

2.    to delegate authority to the Director of Infrastructure, in consultation with the Deputy Leader, to finalise the terms of the disposal and execution of all necessary or desirable documentation required to implement the above.

Reason for the decision

The property is surplus to the Council’s operational requirements and due to its projected value, a Key Decision will be required as per Kent County Council’s (KCC) constitution.

Background

The property which extends to approximately 4 hectares is undeveloped and previously held by KCC’s Growth Environment & Transport division (GET), for a new road scheme and was declared as surplus highway land in December 2022. There are no other KCC uses for the site that have been identified, and the site is therefore surplus to the Council’s requirements.

The Council intends to market the site, and advice from agents indicates that it is expected that the level of net sales receipts to KCC will be in excess of the delegated threshold and that a Key Decision is required.

A decision is therefore sought to authorise the disposal of the site and to delegate authority to the Director of Infrastructure to finalise the terms subject to consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member.

Options (other options considered but discarded)

-     Reuse the site

-     Continue to hold the site vacant in case of a future requirement.

-     Disposal of the asset. This is the recommended option.

How the proposed decision supports the Framing Kent's Future - Our Council Strategy 2022-2026

This decision supports Framing Kent’s Future 2022-2026 as the disposal will release land for development.

How the proposed decision supports Securing Kent’s Future 2022 -2026: Securing Kents Future - Budget Recovery Strategy 

This decision supports Securing Kent’s Future 2022-2026 by securing a capital receipt to invest in KCC’s priority projects and programmes whilst also streamlining KCC’s property portfolio, achieving financial and efficiency benefits. 

As Deputy Leader, I agree to:

1.         the disposal of Land at the junction of West Malling Bypass and land south of the London Road, Leybourne; and

2.         to delegate authority to the Director of Infrastructure, in consultation with the Deputy Leader, to finalise the terms of the disposal and execution of all necessary or desirable documentation required to implement the above.