Dorset Council has announced it will be selling off property it owns following a new report which has set out its plans to unlock land and buildings for affordable housing, regeneration, and economic growth.
The council said that the programme will attract private investment, empower communities, and generate £46.7 million to reinvest in Dorset’s priorities.
This will include using some of the sites being sold off to deliver affordable housing, including social rent homes for local people, in line with the council’s housing strategy.
The council said that by disposing of its commercial sites it will attract private investment, improve site management, and stimulate business growth.
Town and parish councils will also be empowered to take ownership of local facilities by applying to take on underused buildings or land for community benefit.
From the £46.7 million raised through sales of surplus sites, the council said that it can also reduce its borrowing and reinvest the money in essential infrastructure such as roads, schools, and frontline services.
Cllr Richard Biggs, Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth, said: “This administration’s focus is clear: by releasing council sites we no longer need, we are getting a grip on land and buildings that have stood idle for years. We will now sweat all our assets to reinvest in roads, schools and frontline services for the benefit of all our residents. It’s about unlocking opportunities, being ambitious, and making every penny count.”
In total 78 sites that are no longer needed and will be disposed of over a period of five years
The properties are mainly small blocks of garages, vacant former offices, old school sites, commercial units and parcels of land.
A council spokesperson added: “We will follow clear rules to make sure every sale gives taxpayers the best value.
“Independent experts will check site values, and sales will be competitive. Where needed we’ll add conditions, so sites are used for housing or regeneration, not left empty.
“To protect public money and keep prices fair, we won’t share details of individual sites until the right stage in the process.”
The report will be considered by councillors at the full cabinet meeting on Tuesday, November 11.