URL: https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3037

Decision Maker: Deputy Leader of the Council

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Proposed decision: TheDeputy Leader to agree to:   1.    the disposal of the former Oasis Academy, Egerton Avenue, Hextable BR8 7LG; 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 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, a Key Decision will be required as per Kent County Council’s (KCC) constitution.   Background The site comprises the former school and adjacent playing fields (totalling approximately 38 acres) situated between the village of Hextable and the town of Swanley.   The school closed in 2016. The property was held for education in case there was a need for a new school within the district following the closure of the school. In April 2025, the site was declared surplus to educational needs and there are no other KCC operational requirements.   It is expected that the level of net sales receipts to KCC will be over the £1m delegated threshold and will therefore require a Key Decision.   Options (other options considered but discarded) -    Reuse the site -    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 decisionsupports Framing Kent’s Future as the disposal will release surplus (part brownfield) land for potential redevelopment.   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: TheDeputy Leader to agree to:   1.    the disposal of the former Oasis Academy, Egerton Avenue, Hextable BR8 7LG; 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 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, a Key Decision will be required as per Kent County Council’s (KCC) constitution.   Background The site comprises the former school and adjacent playing fields (totalling approximately 38 acres) situated between the village of Hextable and the town of Swanley.   The school closed in 2016. The property was held for education in case there was a need for a new school within the district following the closure of the school. In April 2025, the site was declared surplus to educational needs and there are no other KCC operational requirements.   It is expected that the level of net sales receipts to KCC will be over the £1m delegated threshold and will therefore require a Key Decision.   Options (other options considered but discarded) -    Reuse the site -    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 decisionsupports Framing Kent’s Future as the disposal will release surplus (part brownfield) land for potential redevelopment.   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.   The Deputy Leader to agree to:   1.         the disposal of the former Oasis Academy, Egerton Avenue, Hextable, BR8 7LG; and 2.         to 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 documentation required to implement the above.

Date of Decision: October 29, 2025