URL: https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3008

Decision Maker: Deputy Leader of the Council

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Proposed decision: The Deputy Leader to agree to:   1.    the disposal of Sevenoaks Adult Education Centre, Hatton House, Bradbourne Road, TN13 3QN; and   2.    delegate authority to The Director of Infrastructure, in consultation with the Deputy Leader, to finalise the terms of the disposal and execution of all necessary, or desirable documentation required to implement the above.   Reason for the decision The property is surplus to the Council’s operational requirements and due to its projected value, disposal will require a Key Decision as per Kent County Council’s (KCC) Constitution.   Background A service decision was taken in July 2024, which set out the changes in focus and scope from Central Government in relation to the delivery of the community skills and learning service. As a result, the service will be delivered in a different way going forwards and the Sevenoaks Adult Education building will no longer be required.  There are no other suitable services that require use of the building and therefore the property will be surplus to the Councils requirements when it is vacated by the service in the Summer.   The site currently comprises the Sevenoaks Adult Education Centre, housed in a building (‘Hatton House”) originally constructed in 1874 as a private residence as well as associated outbuildings and parking. The site area is approximately 0.6ha with direct access via Bradbourne Road. It is proposed to market the site through our appointed agents, and it is expected that the level of net sales receipts to KCC will be over the £1m delegated threshold, which will therefore require a Key Decision.   Options (other options considered but discarded) -             Reuse the site. -             Hold the site as an investment and seek a tenant. -             Continue to hold the site vacant in case of a future requirement. -             Disposal of the asset. This is the recommended option.   How the proposed decision supports the Framing Kent's Future - Our Council Strategy 2022-2026 This decision supports Framing Kent’s Future - Our Council Strategy 2022 - 2026 as the disposal will release a surplus brownfield site, providing a redevelopment opportunity to help towards the County’s housing targets.   How the proposed decision supports Securing Kent’s Future 2022 -2026: Securing Kents Future - Budget Recovery Strategy This decision supports Securing Kent’s Future 2022-2026 by securing a capital receipt to invest in KCC’s priority projects and programmes whilst also streamlining KCC’s property portfolio, achieving financial and efficiency benefits.  

Content: Proposed decision: The Deputy Leader to agree to:   1.    the disposal of Sevenoaks Adult Education Centre, Hatton House, Bradbourne Road, TN13 3QN; and   2.    delegate authority to The Director of Infrastructure, in consultation with the Deputy Leader, to finalise the terms of the disposal and execution of all necessary, or desirable documentation required to implement the above.   Reason for the decision The property is surplus to the Council’s operational requirements and due to its projected value, disposal will require a Key Decision as per Kent County Council’s (KCC) Constitution.   Background A service decision was taken in July 2024, which set out the changes in focus and scope from Central Government in relation to the delivery of the community skills and learning service. As a result, the service will be delivered in a different way going forwards and the Sevenoaks Adult Education building will no longer be required.  There are no other suitable services that require use of the building and therefore the property will be surplus to the Councils requirements when it is vacated by the service in the Summer.   The site currently comprises the Sevenoaks Adult Education Centre, housed in a building (‘Hatton House”) originally constructed in 1874 as a private residence as well as associated outbuildings and parking. The site area is approximately 0.6ha with direct access via Bradbourne Road. It is proposed to market the site through our appointed agents, and it is expected that the level of net sales receipts to KCC will be over the £1m delegated threshold, which will therefore require a Key Decision.   Options (other options considered but discarded) -             Reuse the site. -             Hold the site as an investment and seek a tenant. -             Continue to hold the site vacant in case of a future requirement. -             Disposal of the asset. This is the recommended option.   How the proposed decision supports the Framing Kent's Future - Our Council Strategy 2022-2026 This decision supports Framing Kent’s Future - Our Council Strategy 2022 - 2026 as the disposal will release a surplus brownfield site, providing a redevelopment opportunity to help towards the County’s housing targets.   How the proposed decision supports Securing Kent’s Future 2022 -2026: Securing Kents Future - Budget Recovery Strategy This decision supports Securing Kent’s Future 2022-2026 by securing a capital receipt to invest in KCC’s priority projects and programmes whilst also streamlining KCC’s property portfolio, achieving financial and efficiency benefits.   As Deputy Leader, I agree to:   1.         the disposal of Sevenoaks Adult Education Centre, Hatton House, Bradbourne Road, TN13 3QN; and   2.         delegate authority to the Director of Infrastructure, in consultation with the Deputy Leader, to finalise the terms of the disposal and execution of all necessary or desirable documentation required to implement the above.

Date of Decision: August 11, 2025