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.
Decision type: Key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 02/09/2025
Anticipated restriction: Part exempt - View reasons
Decision due: Not before 30th Sep 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, Head of Real Estate Services Email: mark.cheverton@kent.gov.uk.
Consultees
This decision was considered and endorsed at the Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee on 10th September 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 associated with holding a vacant site and therefore ease 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 Assessments (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. A Data Protection Implication Assessment (DPIA) screening has confirmed that there are no DPIA implications and that a further DPIA assessment is not required in respect of this decision unless it transpires that personal data will be processed as part of the disposal. As part of this approval process and in the handling of the marketing/conveyancing of the site Data Protection regulations will be observed.