Not all properties on list will be sold - council

The 13th Century Temple Manor in Strood is among properties listed for possible sale

A council has said that not all properties shortlisted for possible sale to help balance its budget will be offloaded.

Medway Council, in Kent, had been poised to offload up to 30 buildings to raise money and reduce its maintenance spend.

A list of properties for possible sale included a Grade I listed manor house in Strood, Gillingham Golf Club and Rainham's District Shopping Centre.

Adam Bryan, director of place at Medway Council, said: "Just because a property is on the list doesn’t mean it’s going to be sold – just that it has to be considered."

The property sales are being considered as the Labour-run authority attempts to cut its overall predicted overspend of £16.5m.

Council officers told a recent meeting that the shortlist comprised buildings that raised less in rental revenue than they cost in debt repayment.

They said the council needed to raise £20m from selling off properties over the next five years, meaning not all 30 on the list would need to be sold.

Mr Bryan said the list was a starting point, but all properties on the list had been identified following a review of whether they were of greater value to the council to keep or sell.

“It’s been done on a very mathematical basis and just because a property is on the list doesn’t mean it’s going to be sold,” he said.