Dorset Council to dispose of 78 sites in £46.7m plan to unlock land for housing
Dorset Council has plans to make better use of its land and buildings to boost housing, regeneration and economic growth
Dorset Council has unveiled ambitious plans to make better use of its property portfolio, setting out a programme that will release dozens of underused sites for affordable housing, regeneration and community-led projects.
The strategy, published in a new report, is expected to generate £46.7m over five years for reinvestment in the county’s priorities.
The council says the approach will drive economic growth, strengthen local services and deliver long-term financial sustainability.
A total of 78 sites, ranging from disused garage blocks to vacant former offices and surplus land, have been earmarked for disposal.
One of the major aims is to boost the supply of affordable housing.
Some of the released sites will be brought forward through a strategic development partnership to deliver new homes, including social rent properties, in line with the authority’s housing strategy.
Commercial disposals are also expected to bring new investment into the county, improve site management and stimulate business growth, especially where private landlords are able to attract tenants and repurpose outdated premises.
A stronger focus on Community Asset Transfers will allow town and parish councils to take ownership of local facilities, from small green spaces to former service buildings.
Dorset Council says this will give communities more control over valued amenities and enable local solutions where services have previously struggled.
The council argues that the financial benefits are equally significant.
Income raised from selling surplus sites will go directly into the capital programme, reducing borrowing costs and freeing up funds for essential infrastructure such as roads, schools and frontline services.
“By releasing council sites we no longer need, we are getting a grip on land and buildings that have stood idle for years," Cllr Richard Biggs said.
He added: “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.”