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.
Decision type: Key
Decision status: For Determination
Notice of proposed decision first published: 06/01/2026
Anticipated restriction: Part exempt -
Decision due: Not before 4th Feb 2026 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
The proposed decision will be considered at the Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee on 14 January 2026.
Financial implications: The sale of the property will result in a capital receipt which will be reinvested back into visible community and infrastructure services. There are currently holding costs associated with the site. 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 KCC legal services
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.