Closed toilets in Thanet will be transferred to town and parish councils or sold on the open market.
The decision, expected to be given the green light by Thanet council Cabinet, is the first part of an ongoing review of the isle’s public toilets.
Loos in Beresford Gap, Birchington, Marina Road, Ramsgate, Minnis Bay, Birchington, Park Road, Margate, St Johns Cemetery, Margate and Albion Street, Broadstairs will be sold at market value.
For the toilet at St Johns Cemetery preference will be given to a use that is related to bereavement. Broadstairs and St Peters Town Council have expressed an interest in buying the closed loos at Albion Street as part of their regeneration plans for Broadstairs.
Land and toilets in Minster have been operated by Minster-in-Thanet Parish Council for several years. Council officers are recommending a community asset transfer to the Parish Council.
The urinal in Park Road, Margate, is Grade II listed. The cast Iron Victorian structure was listed by Historic England in 1997. It has suffered vandalism and rubbish has been dumped at the site.
A report to Cabinet members says: “A review of operational property, including toilets is ongoing. The first stage of this review has been to identify and confirm closed toilets, that have not been in operation for many years, are surplus to Thanet council requirements. They are in various stages of disrepair and bringing them to the market will provide opportunities for redevelopment subject to all necessary consents.”
The bandstand, clock tower, kiosk and shelter in the area of Victoria Gardens, Broadstairs have already been approved for transfer to Broadstairs and St. Peters Town Council. The council is now expected to agree a similar arrangement for Victoria Gardens, including the toilets.
The report states: “Broadstairs and St Peters Town Council intend to operate the toilets for members of the public continued use.”
Other property under discussion includes Albion Gardens, including the Madeira Waterfall, in Ramsgate. It is proposed to transfer this site to Ramsgate Town Council or another qualifying community organisation.
Newgate Gap Shelter and The Oval, in Cliftonville, will be advertised for community asset transfer as will pavilions, previously operated by Your Leisure which have been returned to the council, in Garlinge, Hartsdown and Northdown. These are used by sports and social clubs and the council aims to dispose of them to the clubs through a community asset transfer.
A public consultation will also take place about the possible transfer or sale of land at Hartsdown and another for the earmarked sale to the owners of the Nayland Rock Hotel of land fronting Royal Crescent .
It is also proposed to sell off land at the rear of Margate’s Tudor House.
Thanet council is carrying out the review as part of a bid to save £175,000 in its 2019-20 budget.
Cabinet members are expected to approve the disposals when they meet on January 29.
