Ahead of expected Local Government Reorganisation, the local Community Asset Transfer discussions are ongoing. Sevenoaks Town Council is aware that Sevenoaks District Council will be required to transfer all major commercial assets e.g. large car parks, commercial office buildings, hotel to the new Unitary Authority. For this reason, the Town Council have not been requesting any of the larger commercial assets only those community assets originally donated to the town’s people.
It is difficult to see how the two Sevenoaks local authorities will be able to align when they approach the transfer from different aims.
Sevenoaks District Council has stated publicly that under direction of its auditors, Grant Thornton UK, it has to aim to maximise income and future development opportunities from community assets and charge Market Value to town and parish councils for these.
Sevenoaks Town Council’s aim is to preserve and enhance current community assets for current and future communities. It is requesting that community assets be transferred at ‘Best Value’ which takes into account social, economic and environmental well-being. Community Assets can legally be transferred at a nominal or nil transfer value if valued under £2m.
Frequently Asked Questions - Updated April 2026
Click here to read STC Community Asset Transfers Frequently Asked Questions.
This document has been created to help residents understand more about Community Asset Transfers in Sevenoaks.
Update following Sevenoaks District Council's Cabinet Meeting - 21 April 2026
Stag Community Arts Centre
The good news is that Sevenoaks District Council has categorically confirmed it will not consider putting the Stag out to open market following the recent commercial interest as per information in meeting with Town Clerk and in its agenda papers.
Sevenoaks District Council has deferred its decision on whether to transfer the asset until June due to seeking additional legal advice. It is not clear what this additional legal advice now relates to as originally it was how to progress in light of the commercial interest.
This recent unexpected drama has only strengthened the Town Councils resolve to seek the transfer of the Freehold of the Stag as per its original petition (with over 7,000 signatures) to avoid such events happening again with Sevenoaks District Council or the future Unitary Authority and enable sustainable investment into the community asset.
Sevenoaks District Council also confirmed its own policy (not in line with legislation for transfer of Community Assets under £2m) that any Community Asset Transfer should take place at Existing Use Value / Market Value as it is not fair on District residents that an asset is passed to one town or parish council at nil or nominal value. In the case of the Stag this is expected to be £650,000 which would fall to the residents of Sevenoaks town to pay.
You can sign the Petition for SDC to transfer the freehold of the Stag to STC at no further cost here.
Hollybush Recreation Ground
Sevenoaks District Council has confirmed it does not intend to transfer the recreation ground to Sevenoaks Town Council (*see recommendation below) and therefore it will automatically transfer to the new Unitary Authority when created.
- Existing café and tennis leases are significantly undervalued
- The introduction of padel tennis represents a material commercial opportunity
- Improved café provision has been identified as a key driver of footfall and income
- Enabling residential development has been identified as a mechanism to fund park improvements.
New information was introduced at the Cabinet meeting on 21 April 2026:
Sevenoaks District Council intend to develop the facilities at the recreation ground. Such plans have not been shared with the Town Council who they know has been diligently investing resources into the Community Asset Transfer process, nor Resident Association, sports clubs tenants or local residents. It is unclear how such plans would be achieved prior to creation of a new Unitary Authority.
It is also unclear how such development plans will be paid for. The Town Council hopes it is not as per Sevenoaks District Council agenda papers:
*Sevenoaks District Council Recommendation: Hollybush Park is a large, operational and income producing recreational estate containing leased sports facilities, a café, car parking and an operational depot. The asset has significant income generating and capital optimisation potential and is required to support ongoing service delivery and future investment. Transfer would materially undermine financial resilience and does not meet the requirements of the adopted Disposals Policy. Therefore, it is not supported.
Note: The Town Council’s Business Case includes financials provided direct from the District Council indicating an annual net cost of £3,000 p.a. Provision within the Business Case was suggested for continued free use of the Depot by the District Council and future Unitary Authority. Overage was agreed.
Land at High Street (Market Rights)
Sevenoaks District Council confirmed (*see recommendation below) that it would not transfer the Market Rights (5 market stalls) to Sevenoaks Town Council as they state they will be a strategic asset for the new Unitary Authority who will be able to obtain higher rents from other market operators.
Sevenoaks Town Council’s licence to operate the market ends 17th April 2027, currently with an option to renew for one year.
*Sevenoaks District Council Recommendation: The High Street Market Rights are a strategic, income generating and culturally significant asset, but not a land interest, integral to wider town centre regeneration. Retention ensures a continued income stream for the Council and future unitary authority as well as coordinated market management and avoids fragmenting control during an active redevelopment phase of the town centre.
Note: The commercial proposal recommended has been tried and failed and is not considered Best Value for local residents.
Land at Bradbourne Vale Road (Horses Field)
Sevenoaks District Council confirmed it would not transfer the Horses Field to Sevenoaks Town Council, as they state it will be a strategic asset for the new Unitary Authority for the following reasons:
The site is located within the Local Plan evidence as having potential to contribute to future housing delivery. Transfer would fetter the Council’s ability to meet acute housing need and realise long term economic and infrastructure benefits. Retention is therefore Recommended.
Note: the land’s income is currently £750 p.a. leased to the Riding School for the Disabled. Sevenoaks Neighbourhood Development Plan designates the land for allotments should the riding school leave.
Shambles
Sevenoaks District Council confirmed at its meeting on 21st April 2026 to transfer the Shambles to Sevenoaks Town Council, as it would secure long term local stewardship, support town centre vitality and remove a modest net revenue liability from the District Council.
Sevenoaks Town Council looks forward to taking over the site, providing some TLC, and promoting it as part of its Cultural Strategy.