Purpose

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

The Deputy Leader to agree to:
 
1.         the disposal
of land at Westcott Avenue, Gravesend DA11 7HP; 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.