Has council got its windfall from sale of college site?

By Nub News Reporter 29th Aug 2024

A DEADLINE has now been passed for offers on land being sold by Thurrock Council which previously contained Thurrock Adult Community College.

A previous deal to sell the land to a housing development company fell apart and so the property was put back on the market, with the college buildings demolished.

The council has not disclosed how much it paid for the demolition.

The site was marketed by Chelmsford-based firm Kemsley LLP, with offers invited in excess of £2 million. The deadline for bids was yesterday (Wednesday, 28 August)

The council said: "We believe the property offers potential for residential or other development, subject to gaining the necessary planning consents."

The site has been dogged by controversy, with many complaints from resdients about the impact on them following demolition and the removal of car parking. It has also been argued that historic documents say the land cannot be used for residential use - a belief discarded by the council which says the land could contain up to 50 new homes.

Included within the boundary of the existing site is the Alf Lowne Scout Centre, which is leased to the Scout Association. However, it is not part of the land to be sold and the council says appropriate boundary changes will be made with the Land Registry.

The site's marketing brochure can be viewed via this link.

Thurrock Council has been asked to comment on the outcome of the planned sale.