Surplus sites set to deliver £46.7m boost for homes and regeneration

Dorset Council has published a report setting out ambitious plans to make better use of its property portfolio – unlocking land and buildings for affordable housing, regeneration, and economic growth.

The programme will attract private investment, empower communities, and generate £46.7 million to reinvest in Dorset’s priorities.

Key benefits of the programme:

• New homes: Some sites will be part of a strategic development partnership to deliver affordable housing, including social rent homes for local people, in line with the Council’s housing strategy
• Economic growth: Disposing of commercial sites will attract private investment, improve site management, and stimulate business growth.
• Community empowerment: A strengthened focus on Community Asset Transfers will enable town and parish councils to take ownership of local facilities, tailoring services to community needs. This means local councils can apply to take on underused buildings or land for community benefit, helping preserve valued spaces and services.
• Financial sustainability: £46.7 million from sales of surplus sites will help fund Dorset Council’s capital programme and reduce borrowing costs. This money can be reinvested in essential infrastructure such as roads, schools, and frontline services.

Over the next five years, the Council plans to dispose of 78 sites that are no longer needed. Rather than continuing to spend on properties that add little value, this programme ensures they are repurposed to deliver homes, jobs, and community benefits.

The properties identified for disposal are mainly small blocks of garages, vacant former offices, old school sites, and parcels of land. Transferring them to owners who can invest and repurpose them will unlock opportunities for housing, regeneration, and economic growth – benefits the Council cannot achieve alone.

Examples include:

• Garages and storage sites no longer supporting council services.
• Vacant administrative buildings.
• Smaller land parcels suitable for housing or community-led projects.
• Commercial units where private landlords can attract new businesses.

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.

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."

The disposal programme is a cornerstone of Dorset Council’s Strategic Asset Management Plan, supporting the delivery of the Council Plan and aligning with regeneration ambitions.

The report will be considered by Cabinet on 11 November.