The Cabinet Member for Property, Waste and Infrastructure approved the joint disposal of Clarendon House in Dorking. This decision allows for the sale of the Council's freehold interest alongside the Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's head-leasehold interest, aiming to generate a capital receipt.

Disposal of Clarendon House, Dorking

The meeting approved the joint disposal of the Council's freehold interest in Clarendon House, located at 28 West Street, Dorking, RH4 1QJ. This decision was made in conjunction with the Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SABP), which holds the head-leasehold interest in the property. The joint sale will enable the asset to be sold with full vacant possession.

The decision was taken by Councillor Tim Oliver OBE, Leader of the Council, who was acting on behalf of Councillor Natalie Bramhall, Cabinet Member for Property, Waste and Infrastructure, who was unwell. Councillor Oliver stated that the disposal aligns with the Cabinet's previous endorsement of rationalising the council's surplus estate.

Vicky Holland, Head of Acquisitions and Disposals for Land & Property, explained that the Council's current income from Clarendon House is a peppercorn rental, and the freehold interest would otherwise revert to the Council in approximately 60 years. A joint sale offers an immediate return and an enhanced receipt by combining the legal interests. The property was formally declared surplus to operational requirements in April 2026.

Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources (s151 Officer), in consultation with the Director of Land and Property and the Cabinet Member for Property, Waste and Infrastructure, to finalise the transaction and enter into all associated legal agreements. This decision is subject to a call-in period.

The report noted that the disposal supports the Council's priority objectives, including tackling health inequality, enabling a greener future, ensuring no one is left behind, empowering thriving communities, and being a high-performing council through the generation of a capital receipt. The transaction arises from an open marketing campaign, and the recommended bid and terms are confirmed to support best value. The sale will also ensure there are no ongoing revenue and void costs associated with maintaining the site.

The meeting also confirmed that appropriate governance processes had been followed, including liaising with legal property services, and that the transaction was expected to be completed before vesting day on 1 April 2027. No alternative options were considered, and no consultation or representations were received outside of the published report.

The decision was published on 29 October 2026 and becomes effective on 6 November 2026, unless called in by the Resources and Performance Select Committee.

• Decisions Tuesday 27-Oct-2026 11.30 Cabinet Member for Property Waste and Infrastructure Decisio.pdf
• Agenda frontsheet Tuesday 27-Oct-2026 11.30 Cabinet Member for Property Waste and Infrastructure.pdf
• Public reports pack Tuesday 27-Oct-2026 11.30 Cabinet Member for Property Waste and Infrastructu.pdf
• Clarendon House, Dorking