URL: https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3078

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 Land at Former Spires Academy, Bredlands Lane, Westbere, Canterbury, CT2 0HD; 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 Constitution.   Background The property which extends to approximately 1.36 hectares is currently vacant on the south-west side of Bredlands Lane. The site previously formed part of a larger plot of land, including the former Spires Academy school buildings which was situated immediately to the south of the site.   The south part of the site comprising the former school buildings was sold to Matthew Homes in 2017 and has since been redeveloped to provide 80 dwellings (ref: CA/13/02349). A new Spires Academy was built situated to the east of the site on the opposite side of Bredlands Lane and benefits from an enhanced playing field provision.     The Council intends to market the site, and it is expected that the level of receipt 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. -          Lease the site. -          Disposal of the asset. This is the recommended option.   How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement The proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement by raising capital for reinvestment to enable KCC to deliver improvements to visible community and infrastructure services, whilst also streamlining KCC’s property portfolio, contributing towards the reduction of KCCs’ debt burden and releasing monies back into front line services.  

Content: Proposed decision The Deputy Leader to agree to:   1.    the disposal of Land at Former Spires Academy, Bredlands Lane, Westbere, Canterbury, CT2 0HD; 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 Constitution.   Background The property which extends to approximately 1.36 hectares is currently vacant on the south-west side of Bredlands Lane. The site previously formed part of a larger plot of land, including the former Spires Academy school buildings which was situated immediately to the south of the site.   The south part of the site comprising the former school buildings was sold to Matthew Homes in 2017 and has since been redeveloped to provide 80 dwellings (ref: CA/13/02349). A new Spires Academy was built situated to the east of the site on the opposite side of Bredlands Lane and benefits from an enhanced playing field provision.     The Council intends to market the site, and it is expected that the level of receipt 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. -          Lease the site. -          Disposal of the asset. This is the recommended option.   How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement The proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement by raising capital for reinvestment to enable KCC to deliver improvements to visible community and infrastructure services, whilst also streamlining KCC’s property portfolio, contributing towards the reduction of KCCs’ debt burden and releasing monies back into front line services.   As Deputy Leader, I agree to:   1.       The disposal of Land at Former Spires Academy, Bredlands Lane, Westbere, Canterbury, CT2 0HD; 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 or desirable documentation required to implement the above.

Date of Decision: March 31, 2026