Issue - meetings

Rebecca Spore (Director of Infrastructure), Mark Cheverton (Head of Real Estate Services), Dan Parkes (Disposals Acquisitions & Investments), Niral Patel (Acquisition and Investment Surveyor, Investment & Disposals), Jason Harris (Assistant Surveyor) were in attendance for this item.

1.         Mrs Spore introduced the report which set out the planned disposal of land in Stanhope Road, Ashford.

2.      Further to questions and comments from Members, the discussion covered the following:

·         Assurance was sought that the green spaces would be protected. The Member updated on the current consultation of the Oakfield aspect of the site. Mrs Spore suggested that the green spaces future would be determined as part of any planning application that had been submitted. Ashford Borough Council had determined authority onsite and would be considering the terms very carefully. Any relocations would be supported by KCC if required.

·         The consultation for the site would end on March the 25th.

·         It was noted that the land was not formally designated as an open space, however, it is space that was utilised by members of the community, and it was therefore important that the correct consultation took place. The Cabinet Member would have full information available to them for consideration prior to taking the decision.  

·         Mrs Spore responded to queries about monitoring future use of land by a purchaser, explaining that due diligence was undertaken in regard to bidders plans for the site, however  responsibility for and control of the asset sat with the developer. Mr Cheverton explained that any potential buyer’s ability to complete a project was also considered.

RESOLVED that the proposed decision be endorsed:

namely that the

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services 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.