PLANS to sell off a former council-owned day centre in the Beechwood area of Newport have been given the green light.

Newport City Council’s cabinet member for finance and resources, Cllr Mark Whitcutt, has signed off plans to sell the Kensington Day Centre in Oaklands Road, which has been vacant since mental health day services moved to the Brynglas Adult Training Centre in Brynglas Road earlier this year.

Although it is not clear how much the one-acre site and 1980s building will fetch, all income from the sale will be re-invested into other areas within the authority.

A report presented to council members as part of consultation into the proposal said selling the site would save the authority more than £10,000 a year in running costs and eliminate the need to carry out a maintenance backlog currently estimated at around £170,000.

It also said Newport Norse, which runs services throughout the city on behalf of the council, had said it believed the building would attract a buyer if it was put on the open market.

“Planning officers have advised there are no objections in principle to re-development of the site,” it said.

“Any new development would, however, need to have suitable regard to neighbouring properties and not result in a detrimental impact on privacy or amenity.

“There are a number of technical issues relating to trees and ecology on the site that would need to be considered in any development proposals.

“Under the circumstances it is not considered appropriate to apply for an alternative planning permission.”

The report continued: “The land and buildings at Kensington Court are no longer required for social services purposes and there is no viable alternative service use for the premises.

“Therefore, the land can be reappropriated for general asset management purposes and disposed of in order to generate a capital receipt and reduce maintenance and security liabilities.

“Any market value will be dependent on compliance with the title restrictions and planning consent for redevelopment.”

The report also said any offers for the site would be subject to consideration under section 123 of the Local Government Act, which states councils are able to dispose of surplus land “in any manner they see fit” for “the best price reasonable obtainable”.

No objections were raised against the plans.

Newport Norse will continue to manage the building until it is sold.

To view the full report visit newport.gov.uk