Issue - meetings

Background:

This report sought delegated authority for officers to appropriate the former Park and Ride site at Marconi Way.

It was noted that the Park and Ride site had been closed and Cabinet in March 2012 had agreed to delegate authority to the Chief Finance Officer to declare surplus and dispose of the site. Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) had agreed to purchase the site and had recently obtained planning permission for a fire station on it.

Members were advised that the site and other land was subject to a covenant given by the Council in a lease of the adjoining site, not to use the site for any purpose other than a surface car park and ancillary purposes and for open space. The sale to KFRS was however conditional upon this covenant being released.

Members were advised of discussions had been held with the beneficiary of the covenant and the general power under Section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972 to appropriate land within its ownership for any purpose for which it was authorised to acquire land by agreement. 

Reasons:

The appropriation of the land will allow the Council and KFRS to override the covenant so that the development of a fire station on the site can proceed.