Decision details

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

1.    the disposal of land at Stanhope Road, Ashford TN23 5RA; and

2.    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 disposal and execution of all necessary or desirable documentation required to implement the above.

Reason for the decision

The site is surplus to the Council’s operational requirements and due to its projected value, a Key Decision will be required in accordance with Kent County Council’s (KCC) Constitution.

Background

The land comprises a combination of former education buildings, the site of a former children’s centre (now demolished), car parking and open space. The buildings have been declared surplus by the Council as they are no longer required for operational purposes.

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

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 by raising capital for KCC to improve its ‘Infrastructure for Communities’ by investing in services, contributing to levelling up targets, and achieving its net zero targets.

How the proposed decision supports Securing Kent’s Future 2022 -2026: Securing Kent's 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 agrees to:

1.    the disposal of land at Stanhope Road, Ashford TN23 5RA; and

2.    to 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 disposal and execution of all necessary or desirable documentation required to implement the above.