Hundreds of council garages across the borough could be sold off
Hundreds of unused council garages could be sold off across the Melton borough as part of a drive to maximise the value of the authority’s assets.
Melton Borough Council currently owns 368 garages but only 112 of them are leased out to residents because the council say there is a limited demand for them.
The sites vary in size – some have more than 20 while others have only a couple – and those that are in a reasonable condition are well used and generate a steady income stream.
A stock condition survey carried out in 2023 by Michael Dyson Associates revealed outstanding repair work which would cost the council £21,700 to carry out.
The study also calculated that the council would face a maintenance bill of more than £1M for the garages over a 30-year period.
Members of the cabinet decided in their latest meeting to approve, in principle, the sale of the unused garages, and surplus land near to them, subject to an options appraisal and business case being conducted on each of the sites and consultation with ward councillors.
Council leader, Pip Allnatt, told the meeting: “Some of these garages are shocking – they are dilapidated and are a trap for vandals, drugs and all sorts.
"It’s been a long time coming but we are getting on top of it.”
Councillor Pat Cumbers commented: “It is odd that demand for these garages is so low. 112 leased out of 368 seems a bit strange.”
And Councillor Sharon Butcher added: “The problem could be that the size of the garages is too small for the modern day car.
"There is anti-social behaviour in some because they’ve been derelict for so long.”
The council’s garage sites are in Melton Mowbray, Asfordby, Bottesford, Old Dalby, Great Dalby, Hose, Croxton Kerrial, Garthorpe and Stathern.
A report which went before the committee stated: “Options include retaining some garages for rental income and disposing of sites that will cost too much to repair or have limited demand.
"Sites that have the potential for housing development or alternative community use will also be investigated.”
Money generated from the garage and land sales – capital receipts – could be used to improve existing council homes and buying new ones.