Decision details

To seek approval for a land exchange for a site at New Haine Road, Ramsgate owned by East Kent Opportunities where a new SEN school is to be built to replace Laleham Gap School, Margate and Laleham Gap House School, Broadstairs as per decisions 13/00013/1 and 13/00013/2.

Final terms for the transaction will be advised. The Decision will seek for legal agreements to be actioned to complete the land exchange. Funding has been secured from the Governments priority school build programme to fund the necessary capital works.

This decision relates to the Bold Steps for Kent in providing value to secure an alternative site to assist the capital programme. The Laleham Gap School site will ultimately be redeveloped and therefore provide an opportunity to build a strong relationship with key business sectors across Kent through the construction on the site. The future use of the development will have a positive impact on the local economy.

Impact/costs and risks of proposed decision

The impact of the decision will be that the proposed replacement school will be completed as quickly as possible to ensure that the capital programme is delivered.  Without the decision, the replacement school will be delayed which will affect the delivery of the capital programme and prolong the current school provision which is insufficient and outdated. Refurbishment of the existing school buildings is not a feasible option and does not overcome operational difficulties.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate and Democratic Services has agreed to the various actions and potential actions in relation to the land at Laleham Gap School, Margate, following the decision by the Cabinet Member for Education and Health Reform to move the school in order to expand it  (see 13/00013/1 and 13/00013/2.