URL: https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3040

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 Former Rowhill School, Stock Lane, Wilmington, Dartford DA2 7BZ; 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, a Key Decision will be required as per Kent County Council’s (KCC) constitution.   Background The property which extends to approximately 3.63 acres is currently vacant and comprises of several single storey structures that are in poor unusable condition.   The property is located in Wilmington, a village approximately 2.4km south of Dartford. The site was formally used as a school and was closed in 2010. Although the property was declared surplus by Education in 2013 this was put on hold prior to COVID whilst alternative educational uses were explored. The asset is now confirmed as a surplus asset and is held at cost and risk.   The Council intends to market the site, and advice from agents indicates that it is expected that the level of net sales receipts to KCC will be in excess of the delegated threshold and that a Key Decision is required.   A decision is therefore sought to authorise the disposal of the site and to delegate authority to the Director of Infrastructure to finalise the terms subject to consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member.   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 decision supports Framing Kent’s Future 2022-2026 as the disposal will release land for development.   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 Former Rowhill School, Stock Lane, Wilmington, Dartford DA2 7BZ; 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, a Key Decision will be required as per Kent County Council’s (KCC) constitution.   Background The property which extends to approximately 3.63 acres is currently vacant and comprises of several single storey structures that are in poor unusable condition.   The property is located in Wilmington, a village approximately 2.4km south of Dartford. The site was formally used as a school and was closed in 2010. Although the property was declared surplus by Education in 2013 this was put on hold prior to COVID whilst alternative educational uses were explored. The asset is now confirmed as a surplus asset and is held at cost and risk.   The Council intends to market the site, and advice from agents indicates that it is expected that the level of net sales receipts to KCC will be in excess of the delegated threshold and that a Key Decision is required.   A decision is therefore sought to authorise the disposal of the site and to delegate authority to the Director of Infrastructure to finalise the terms subject to consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member.   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 decision supports Framing Kent’s Future 2022-2026 as the disposal will release land for development.   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 former Rowhill School, Stock Lane, Wilmington, Dartford DA2 7BZ; 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: November 3, 2025