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.
Decision type: Key
Decision status: For Determination
Notice of proposed decision first published: 15/01/2025
Anticipated restriction: Part exempt - View reasons
Decision due: Not before 13th Feb 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 considered at Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee on 5th March 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 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 taxpayers of Kent to maximise the return from a disposal that it makes. External legal advisors will be 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. The buildings on the site are empty and no data or records are stored there. 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