Proposed decision: The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services to agree to:
1) the disposal of the property – land adjacent to Stourmouth Road, Preston CT3 1HP; and
2) delegate authority to the Director of Infrastructure, in conjunction 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 to implement the above.
Reason for the decision
The site is surplus to the Council’s operational requirements and due to its projected receipt, a key decision will be required as per Kent County Council’s (KCC) constitution.
Background
The site comprises a strip of verge land adjacent to the highway and adjoining Stourmouth Road on the outskirts of the village of Preston, which has been declared surplus by the Council as it is no longer required for operational purposes.
Since the Council has no use for the land, it intends to dispose of it and a recent valuation of it indicates that a key decision is required.
Other options considered
As the site is no longer required for its former use other options were considered:
· reuse by another service.
· continue to hold the site vacant in case of a future requirement.
· dispose of the site – this is the recommended option.
How the proposed decision supports the Framing Kent's Future - Our Council Strategy 2022-2026
A disposal will provide investment capital and savings that can be directed for spend on KCC’s priorities as set out in the Strategy.
How the proposed decision supports the Securing Kent's Future
The disposal will secure a capital receipt to invest in KCC’s priority projects and programmes whilst also streamlining KCC’s property portfolio, achieving financial and efficiency savings
Decision type: Key
Decision status: For Determination
Notice of proposed decision first published: 17/12/2024
Anticipated restriction: Part exempt - View reasons
Decision due: Not before 15th Jan 2025 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 will be discussed at Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee 15th January 2025
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 any 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 to maximise the return from any disposal that it makes. External legal advisors have been appointed in consultation with General Counsel.
Equalities implications: Equalities implications: An Equalities Impact Assessments (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. A Data Protection Implication Assessment (DPIA) screening has confirmed that there are no DPIA implications and that a further DPIA assessment is not required in respect of this decision.