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.
Decision type: Key
Decision status: For Determination
Notice of proposed decision first published: 24/06/2025
Anticipated restriction: Part exempt - View reasons
Decision due: 23 Jul 2025 by Deputy Leader of the Council
Reason: To allow 28 day notice period required under Executive Decision regulations
Lead member: Deputy Leader of the Council
Lead director: Rebecca Spore
Department: Strategic & Corporate Services
Contact: Mark Cheverton, Property Strategy and Policy Manager Email: Mark.Cheverton@kent.gov.uk Email: mark.cheverton@kent.gov.uk.
Consultees
Public consultation undertaken:
There is an Asset of Community Value (ACV) Listing on the property. Sevenoaks District Council were notified on 13 March 2025 of the intention to dispose of the property. Two organisations confirmed that they wished to Express an Interest in developing a proposal and the 6-month moratorium period ends on 13 September 2025.
Cabinet Committee consultation:
The proposed decision will be discussed at Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee on 8th July 2025
Financial implications: The sale of the property will result in a capital receipt which will be reinvested back into the Council’s Capital Programme. The disposal of the property will remove management liabilities and holding costs associated with holding a vacant site, therefore easing pressure on revenue budgets
Legal implications: The Council has an overarching duty under Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 to secure not less than best consideration in respect of property disposals. It also has a fiduciary duty to the residents of Kent. Disposing of the site will reduce risk of claims from the public, and reduce management risk, responsibility and liability. External legal advisors will be appointed in consultation with General Counsel.
Equalities implications: Equalities implications An Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA) has been undertaken and identified no direct equalities implications arising from the disposal of the site. Data Protection implications As part of this approval process and in the handling of marketing/conveyancing of the site data protection regulations will be observed. The site is vacant, and no data or records are stored on site. A Data Protection Implication Assessment (DPIA) screener has confirmed that there are no DPIA implications and that a further DPIA assessment is not required in respect of this decision.