Proposed decision:
The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services to agree to:
1. the disposal of the property, Boughton Mount, Boughton Lane, Boughton Monchelsea ME17 4NA; 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 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 site is a former hostel and special care unit within parkland/gardens. It has been declared surplus by the Council as it is no longer required for operational purposes.
The Council intends to openly market the site and advice provided from agents regarding anticipated values indicates that a key decision is required.
A decision is therefore sought to authorise the 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 (other options considered but discarded)
As the property is not required for the Council’s operational purposes, the main alternative option is for the site to be sold as the existing buildings are too dilapidated to bring back into beneficial use. The disposal will provide a capital receipt to reinvest in the Council’s priorities, as set out in its Capital Programme.
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.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure or savings of more than £1m;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 02/07/2024
Anticipated restriction: Part exempt - View reasons
Decision due: Not before 31st Jul 2024 by Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services
Reason: To allow 28 day notice period required under Executive Decision regulations
Lead member: Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services
Lead director: Rebecca Spore
Department: Strategic & Corporate Services
Contact: Mark Cheverton, Property Strategy and Policy Manager Email: Mark.Cheverton@kent.gov.uk Email: mark.cheverton@kent.gov.uk.
Consultees
This decision was considered and endorsed at Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee on 10th July 2024.
Financial implications: The sale of the property will result in a capital receipt which will be reinvested back into the Council’s Capital Programme. The disposal of the property will remove holding costs associated with the property easing pressure on revenue budgets.
Legal implications: 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. External legal advisors will be appointed in consultation with General Counsel.
Equalities implications: Equalities implications: An Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA) has been undertaken and identified no direct equalities implications arising from the disposal of the site. Data Protection implications: As part of this approval process and in the handling of marketing/conveyancing of the site Data Protection regulations will be observed. The property is empty and no data or records are stored on site. A Data Protection Implication Assessment (DPIA) screener has confirmed that there are no DPIA implications and that a further DPIA assessment is not required in respect of this decision.