URL: https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3041

Decision Maker: Deputy Leader of the Council

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

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.  

Content: 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.   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.

Date of Decision: November 3, 2025