Decision details

Decision

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services agrees:

1.         the disposal of the property, Land at the Long Field, Quaker Lane, Cranbrook, Kent; and

2.         to grant an extension of time (if required) to the promotion agreement relating to land adjoining Cranbrook Primary School, Carriers Road, Cranbrook, dated 29th January 2020, or to enter into a new promotion agreement with the same or a new developer

3.         delegate authority to 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 extension of time to the promotion agreement and 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 constitution.

Background

The property extends to approximately 2 hectares, mainly comprising of grassland and was last used as a highways depot; the site has been declared surplus as it is no longer required for operational purposes.

In 2018 the site was marketed for disposal and on 29 January 2019 Kent County Council (KCC) entered into a promotion and option to purchase agreement expiring 29 January 2025 with Heyworth Properties Limited.

A planning application (reference 23/03246) was submitted for a scheme comprising 34 residential units with a determination anticipated in quarter 4 (Q4) of 2024. Following the grant of a satisfactory planning permission, Heyworth Properties Limited would either purchase the property for development or it will market and sell to a third party, paying a proportion of net sale receipts to KCC in accordance with the terms of the agreement. It is expected that the level of net sales receipts to KCC will be over the £1m delegated threshold and will therefore require a Key Decision.

Options (other options considered but discarded)

Whilst under contract, a decision not to perform under its terms would be possible, however this would have legal and cost implications. The recommendation therefore will be to perform under the contractual agreement for the sale of the property unless it expires in the meantime.

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

This decision supports Framing Kent’s Future as the disposal will, along with other assets within its disposal programme, contribute to the Council’s aim to become carbon neutral. It will also release brownfield redevelopment opportunities, helping towards the County’s housing targets.

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.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services, to agree to:

1. the disposal of the property, Land at the Long Field, Quaker Lane, Cranbrook, Kent; and

2. to grant an extension of time (if required) to the promotion agreement Relating to land adjoining Cranbrook Primary School, Carriers Road, Cranbrook, dated 29th January 2020, or to enter into a new promotion agreement with the same or a new developer; and

3. delegate authority to 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 extension of time to the promotion agreement and disposal and execution of all necessary or desirable documentation required to implement the above.