Issue details

Proposed decision: TheDeputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services to agree to:

1.    the disposal of Former Aylesford CTS Workshops, Landscape Services Depot and Rear of Danepack located at Forstal Road, Maidstone;

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; and

3.    Note that the implementation of this decision is subject to any additional approvals or consents (such as Asset of Community Value, open space consultation, etc) as required by law.

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 constitution.

Background

The property which extends to approximately 5.2 acres and comprises a combination of cleared concrete / hardstanding areas and various obsolete buildings previously used as a Highways Depot and Landscape Workshops. The property and buildings have been declared surplus by the Council as they are no longer required for operational purposes.

It is expected that the level of net sales receipts to KCC will be over the £1m delegated threshold and will therefore require a Key Decision.

Options (other options considered but discarded)

Other options considered were to:

-  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 a brownfield site, providing a redevelopment opportunity for commercial uses and creating employment opportunities. Additionally, this decision will raise capital for KCC to improve its ‘Infrastructure for Communities’ by investing in services, contributing to levelling up targets, and achieving its net zero targets.