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.
Decision type: Key
Decision status: For Determination
Notice of proposed decision first published: 24/06/2025
Anticipated restriction: Part exempt - View reasons
Decision due: Not before 23rd Jul 2025 by Deputy Leader of the Council
Reason: To allow 28 day notice period required under Executive Decision regulations
Lead member: Deputy Leader of the Council
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
The proposed decision will be considered at the Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee on 8th July 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 management liabilities and holding costs associated with holding a vacant site, therefore 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. Disposing of the site will reduce management risk, responsibility and liability. 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. When the site is vacant, no data or records will be 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.