Proposed decision:
The Deputy Leader to agree to:
1. the disposal of land at Westcott Avenue, Gravesend DA11 7HP; and
2. 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, a Key Decision will be required as per Kent County Council’s (KCC) constitution.
Background
KCC’s land extends to approximately 3.1 hectares (7.65acres), mainly comprising of a former arable field, which was last used as part of a farm business tenancy. The site is now vacant and is being declared surplus as it is no longer required for operational purposes. It is now rough grassland.
There is an allocation in favour of residential development within the Local Plan (Policy CS21 -Land at Coldharbour Road). This shows a much larger area allocated for mixed-use development including housing. KCC’s land has been allocated for residential development. DHA planning consultants prepared a planning appraisal and masterplan, which showed that approximately 100 dwellings could be delivered on site.
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 as the disposal will release land for development.
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: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 12/08/2025
Anticipated restriction: Part exempt - View reasons
Decision due: Not before 10th Sep 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, Head of Real Estate Services Email: mark.cheverton@kent.gov.uk.
Consultees
This proposed decision was discussed and endorsed at Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee on 10th September 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 residents of Kent. External legal advisors have been 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’s opinion is being sought that there are no DPIA implications and that a further DPIA assessment is not required in respect of this decision.