URL: https://democracy.thanet.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5334

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: This decision relates to the ownership and refurbishment options for the following properties: 37 Hereson Road, Ramsgate, CT11 7DP; Flat 3 Cobb Court, 27 King Street, Margate, CT9 1BZ; and 1 Park Lodge, Montefiore Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent, CT11 8BD. All three residential dwellings are currently owned by the council. The report related to the decision examines both the costs of refurbishing the properties and the potential capital receipts from their disposal at auction.   The recommendation is the decision to dispose of all these properties and reinvest the proceeds of the sales in the council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme.

Content: This decision relates to the ownership and refurbishment options for the following properties: 37 Hereson Road, Ramsgate, CT11 7DP; Flat 3 Cobb Court, 27 King Street, Margate, CT9 1BZ; and 1 Park Lodge, Montefiore Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent, CT11 8BD. All three residential dwellings are currently owned by the council. The report related to the decision examines both the costs of refurbishing the properties and the potential capital receipts from their disposal at auction.   The recommendation is the decision to dispose of all these properties and reinvest the proceeds of the sales in the council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme. Cabinet agreed that:   1.  The Council owned properties, 37 Hereson Road, Ramsgate, CT11 7DP, Flat 3 Cobb Court, 27 King Street, Margate, CT9 1BZ and 1 Park Lodge, Montefiore Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent, CT11 8BD are disposed of through auction;   2.  The proceeds of sale are reinvested in the council’s Accelerated Housing Delivery Programme as agreed by Council in July 2023. Following several site visits by officers and quotes from council-approved contractors for essential maintenance, it has been determined that the most effective course of action is to dispose of the properties at auction. The proceeds from the sales would be reinvested into the council’s acquisitions programme where more suitable properties could be acquired for our social housing stock. Option 1 - dispose: This is the recommendation. To dispose of the three council owned properties and their freehold where applicable and use the proceeds to support the acquisitions programme.   Option 2 - repair and refurbish: This would be to keep the three properties under council ownership where it would be incumbent to repair and refurbish the properties to the void specification, find new tenants and commit to ongoing maintenance. The upfront repair costs would be high and subsequent maintenance would also be costly due to the age and listed status of some of the buildings. While there is a recognised need for social housing within the district, it is essential that these properties meet the Decent Homes Standard and are easily accessible to individuals on the Housing Register, including young families, older adults, and those with disabilities or mobility challenges. Therefore, we recommend the disposal of these properties, with the proceeds being reinvested in acquiring more suitable accommodations for those on the housing register.   Option 3 - do nothing: This is not recommended in the current situation as the properties would have to remain empty as they are not in a habitable condition. Remaining empty would not be in the interest of the council or local residents.

Date of Decision: November 28, 2024