We are aware that Sevenoaks Town Council has published a letter regarding the future ownership of The Stag Community Arts Centre following its previous intention to challenge our decision through the courts, which it is no longer pursuing. Our position on the Stag remains unchanged.
Following a comprehensive assessment of the Town Council's Community Asset Transfer application, Cabinet considered extensive professional advice, valuation evidence, legal advice, the Council's adopted Disposals Policy, the Council's fiduciary responsibilities, external audit considerations and the implications of Local Government Reorganisation before reaching its decision on 16 June 2026.
Cabinet approved three possible outcomes:
- Transfer of the freehold to Sevenoaks Town Council for £650,000, reflecting the independently assessed Existing Use Value.
- Grant of a new 30-year lease to Sevenoaks Town Council, with the District Council retaining the freehold.
- If agreement cannot be reached, transfer of the asset to the successor authority as part of Local Government Reorganisation.
These remain the only options approved by Cabinet.
We have always been willing to engage constructively with the Town Council regarding implementation of the Cabinet decision. Meetings between the two authorities had been scheduled for late July 2026. However, once the Town Council formally threatened Judicial Review proceedings, the Council's legal advice was that it would be inappropriate to pursue parallel legal challenge and negotiation processes at the same time. For that reason, the planned discussions did not proceed.
We have also considered proposals for mediation. Mediation is generally most effective where parties are seeking to negotiate a mutually acceptable outcome. In this case, we have already made a formal Cabinet decision following a public decision-making process. Our concern is that mediation could create an expectation that alternative disposal options remain available when they have not been approved by Cabinet.
We continue to stand behind the decision that Cabinet lawfully made, having considered a wide range of matters, including value for money, stewardship of public assets, financial responsibilities owed to all residents, our adopted policies, external audit considerations and the forthcoming reorganisation of local government in Kent.
We remain committed to securing the long-term future of The Stag and ensuring that any decision taken is consistent with our statutory duties and responsibilities to all residents of the District.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the District Council refused to transfer The Stag to the Town Council?
No. Cabinet approved a freehold transfer to the Town Council for £650,000 or, alternatively, a new 30-year lease on a peppercorn rent. If agreement cannot be reached, the asset and existing lease arrangement with the Town Council will transfer to the successor authority as part of Local Government Reorganisation.
Was the decision based only on subsidy control advice?
No. Subsidy control was one of many matters considered. Cabinet considered a broad range of financial, legal, governance and policy factors.
Why won't the Council accept the Town Council's latest £300,000 offer?
That offer was not one of the options approved by Cabinet. The question before Cabinet was not simply what was legally possible. Cabinet had to decide what was appropriate having regard to its fiduciary duties, policies, valuation evidence, audit considerations and responsibilities to taxpayers. Any materially different proposal would require further formal consideration through the Council's governance process.
Why was a value of £650,000 proposed?
The figure reflects the independently assessed Existing Use Value of the asset as a community arts centre and theatre.
Why did the Council not proceed with planned discussions in July?
Once the Town Council threatened Judicial Review proceedings, we received legal advice that it would be inappropriate to run legal challenge and negotiation processes in parallel.
Why has the Council declined mediation?
The Council has already made a formal Cabinet decision. Mediation could suggest that additional options remain available when they have not been approved by Cabinet.
Is the Council trying to sell The Stag on the open market?
No. Cabinet's decision was specifically focused on transfer or leasing arrangements involving Sevenoaks Town Council.
What happens if agreement cannot be reached?
The existing Cabinet decision provides that The Stag and the existing lease arrangement would transfer to the successor authority through Local Government Reorganisation.
Does the Town Council currently operate The Stag?
The Town Council already holds a long lease of The Stag and subleases its operation to the Stag Community Arts Centre organisation.
Is the Council willing to continue discussions?
We remain willing to implement the options approved by Cabinet and to engage constructively within the framework of that decision.
Has Cabinet changed its decision?
No. The decision taken on 16 June 2026 remains our position.
Is this dispute about whether the Town Council can own The Stag?
No. The Cabinet decision expressly allows the Town Council to acquire the freehold interest or enter into a new 30-year lease. The issue is the terms on which any transfer should take place, not whether the Town Council can be involved in the future stewardship of The Stag.