Decision details

Background Information:

This is a lease of 99 years and therefore falls outside of the Delegated Powers set out in KCC’s Property Management Protocol.

 ‘The Abbey School (Faversham)’ occupy the land known as The Abbey School under the terms of a 125-year lease dated 13th March 2012.The Secretary of State for Education (the “Secretary of State”) intends to enter into a Design and Build Contract with T&B Contractors Limited to carry out design and construction work relating to The Abbey School, Faversham.

A new two storey block (1,491sqm) will be constructed to the east of the site on informal soft landscaping.  KCC, The Abbey School and the School’s Governing Body have signed a “back to back” letter which sought formal agreement that the school and KCC would assist the Secretary of State in fulfilling those obligations that relate to the school’s site and activities. These works require that South East Power Networks (SEPN) dismantle their current electricity sub-station and surrender their existing lease with KCC by deed and take a new 99-year lease to build and maintain a new sub-station, known as a ‘GRP Kiosk’.

Options (other options considered but discarded)

There are no alternatives available which would allow the DfE to progress with the project.

A new two storey block at this school as part of a DfE project relates to the objective of strategic outcome 1 – Children and young people get the best start in life.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services agrees to grant a Deed of Surrender and grant a new 99-year Lease to South East Power Networks at The Abbey School, Faversham for the purposes of a new electricity sub-station and to delegate authority to the Director of Infrastructure to finalise and enter into any necessary legal agreements.