78 SITES across Dorset could be sold off as the council seeks to generate millions of pounds which it says will be invested into affordable homes and infrastructure.

A report published by Dorset Council has set out ambitious plans to generate £46.7 million over the next five years by selling off the sites that are “no longer needed”.

Most of the properties the council plans to dispose of are small blocks of garages, vacant former offices, old school sites, and parcels of land which many of are in poor condition due to years of underinvestment.

This includes vacant administrative buildings, garages and storage sites that no longer support council services, smaller land parcels suitable for housing or community-led projects and commercial units where private landlords can attract new businesses.

“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,” a Dorset Council spokesperson said.

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They added: “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.”

Dorset Council said it can’t share details of individual sites “until the right stage in the process”.

Councillor Richard Biggs, cabinet member for property and assets and economic growth at Dorset Council, 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.”

Disposals will reportedly be delivered through a mix of open market sales, auctions, and conditional sales, with a “strong focus” on enabling regeneration and affordable housing development

The report will be considered by Dorset Council’s cabinet next Tuesday (November 11).