Decision details

Decision: to agree to authorise the disposal of the land South of Steele Avenue, Greenhithe and delegate authority to:

1.       The Director of Infrastructure in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services, to finalise the contractual terms of the disposal. 

2.       The Director of Infrastructure to authorise the execution of necessary contractual and land agreements required to implement the above.

Reason for the decision

Proposed property disposal in line with the Council’s statutory and fiduciary duties and over £1 million which requires a key decision.

Background

The freehold asset “Land at Steele Avenue Greenhithe” is a site approx. 1.29 acres. It is currently vacant and last used by KCC’s Highway Department as a depot site for the widening of the adjacent dual carriageway. The asset also includes car parking towards its north end.

This site, including the car park, was declared surplus to KCC’s requirements and was subsequently identified for disposal. A comprehensive marketing exercise has been undertaken for the north end of the site where it is envisaged a medical centre could be constructed, subject to planning consent and other due diligence which would provide a valuable community healthcare facility. Bids for the north end of the site have been received and a lead bidder has emerged.

A decision is now sought to finalise the terms of the conditional sale contract and authorise disposal of the north part of the site and, once boundaries have been confirmed for the medical centre, the south end of the site will be marketed for disposal.

How the proposed decision meets the objectives of ‘Increasing Opportunities, Improving Outcomes: Kent County Council’s Strategic Statement (2015-2020)’

·         Securing a capital receipt to fund the capital programme.

·         Streamline the Council’s property portfolio.

·         Achieve financial and efficiency benefits in line with appropriate policy.

·         Provide Greenhithe, Stone and Swanscombe with much needed modern, purpose built, primary healthcare facilities with capacity to provide GP services to the growing population up to circa 30,000 patients.

As the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services, I agree to the disposal of the sites and delegate authority to:

1. The Director of Infrastructure, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services, to finalise the contractual terms of the disposal.

2. The Director of Infrastructure to authorise the execution of necessary contractual and land agreements required to implement the above.