Decision details

Proposed decision: The Deputy Leader to agree to:

1.    the disposal of Thistley Hill, Melbourne Avenue, Dover, CT16 2JH; 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, disposal will require a Key Decision as per Kent County Council’s (KCC) Constitution.

Background

The property is known as Thistley Hill, Melbourne Avenue, Dover, CT16 2JH. Since 2007 the property has been used as an office and prior to this was used as a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) and a children’s nursery. The site area is approximately 3.64 acres with direct access via Melbourne Avenue. It is expected that the level of net sales receipts to KCC will be over the £1M delegated threshold, which will therefore require a Key Decision.

Options (other options considered but discarded)

-              Reuse the site.

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

-              Hold the property as an investment site and seek a tenant

-              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 - Our Council Strategy 2022 - 2026 as the disposal will release a surplus brownfield site, providing a redevelopment opportunity to help 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.

As Deputy Leader, I agree to:

1.         the disposal of Thistley Hill, Melbourne Avenue, Dover, CT16 2JH; and

2.         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.