At a meeting of the Cabinet Member for Property, Waste and Infrastructure Decisions, Councillor Natalie Bramhall, Cabinet Member for Property, Waste and Infrastructure, approved the declaration of land west of Stanwell Gardens and Russell Drive, Stanwell, Staines, as surplus to operational requirements, and approved the sale of garden land at 17 Russell Drive. She also delegated authority to the Executive Director for Environment Property and Growth with the Director of Land and Property to secure best value from future releases.

Disposal of Land Parcels in Stanwell

Councillor Natalie Bramhall approved the declaration of land west of Stanwell Gardens and Russell Drive, Stanwell, Staines, as formally surplus to operational requirements, and approved the sale of garden land at 17 Russell Drive. She also delegated authority to the Executive Director for Environment Property and Growth with the Director of Land and Property to secure best value from future releases.

The report presented to Councillor Natalie Bramhall sought approval to declare specific parcels of land at Stanwell Gardens as formally surplus to support their disposal, and to approve the terms for disposal of one specific asset.

The decision aligns with Surrey County Council’s Corporate Plan, which aims to ensure the best and most efficient use of resources. It also supports the Asset and Place Strategy 2019, which aims to optimise financial return and commercial opportunities through rationalisation, disposal, or redevelopment of assets no longer required for operational purposes.

The report noted that the assets in question are mostly held under garden licence arrangements with local households, and that any vacant or landlocked assets carry risks such as security, insurance, and potential adverse occupation.

The council may impose covenants¹ on purchasers to protect specific uses or ensure obligations are met. Examples include limiting the use of land for garden purposes attached to a specific house, or setting boundary treatments and maintenance requirements.

The financial impact of the decision is expected to be minimal, as the assets have not been income-producing or provide negligible income. Local negotiations suggest that values can be secured that reflect the enhanced value of a larger garden to a specific party, with purchasers contributing towards the council's legal fees.

The council must ensure that the price for any disposal is at 'market value' to comply with Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972. The council is also required to carry out necessary checks on the source of funds of the purchaser in accordance with its Anti-Money Laundering procedures.