Decision details

Proposed decision:

To agree to the disposal of the property, the former Laleham Gap School and playing field, Southcliffe Parade, Broadstairs CT10 1TJ and delegate authority to:

1.       The Director of Infrastructure, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services, to finalise the terms of the disposal; and

2.       The Director of Infrastructure, to authorise the 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 the value, a key decision is required as per the Kent County Council’s constitution.

Background

The site is a former school building and playing field. It has been declared surplus by the Council as it is no longer required for operational purposes. The school was relocated to a new purpose-built facility on another site.

The Council intends to progress with the disposal of the site in line with its adopted Freehold Asset Disposal Policy. The site has been allocated for housing within the Local Plan and initial advice provided from agents regarding anticipated values indicates that a key decision is required.

Consent has been sought and gained from the Secretary of State for Education, allowing Kent County Council to progress with a disposal, given the former education use of the site.

A decision is sought to authorise 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

The Council has an overarching duty under Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 to secure not less than best consideration in respect of property disposals. It also has a fiduciary duty to the residents of Kent.

The property is not required for the Council’s operational purposes and has been considered surplus to education needs following the relocation of the school to the new site.  Since vacation of the school site, alternative service needs were considered and none have been identified. A disposal provides an opportunity to reinvest capital in agreed priorities, as set out in the Council’s Capital programme.

How the proposed decision supports the Interim Strategic Plan

By securing a capital receipt to fund the Capital programme and to streamline the Council’s property portfolio to achieve financial and efficiency benefits, in line with appropriate policy.

As the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services, I agree to the disposal of the property, the former Laleham Gap School and playing field, Southcliffe Parade, Broadstairs CT10 1TJ and delegate authority to:

1.    The Director of Infrastructure, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services, to finalise the terms of the disposal; and

2.    The Director of Infrastructure to authorise the execution of all necessary or desirable documentation required to implement the above.