Cllr. Purves proposed the following motion, which was seconded by Cllr. Granville:

“The Council make a Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire the site of the former Farmers public house so as to bring it into productive use at an early date.”

Speaking to the motion Cllr. Purves set out that a petition and motion by the Sevenoaks Society had previously been received by the Council for a compulsory purchase order (CPO) of the site. Following its approval for planning permission at appeal, the site had remained derelict for 17 years and minimal development had taken place. It was stated that by a CPO, the Council could bring the site back into productive use and could bring forward a better development plan with more affordable housing by working with developers or housing associations to crease the Council’s housing stock.

Members debated the motion noting the Sevenoaks Neighbourhood Development Plan focused on redevelopment of sustainable sites and the Farmers Site central location and a site which was not located within the Green Belt. It was stated that work was ongoing looking at the wider area and the emerging local plan, which would secure the policy framework and compliment the Sevenoaks Neighbourhood Town Plan.

Concerns were expressed that to CPO the site, would come at considerable expense to taxpayers money. Over the years Officers have spoken to developers and housing providers to look at the viability and options of working together to take it forward. It was unfortunate that no one had seen the site as a viable option and the expenditure could not be justified to secure a CPO.  Further concerns were raised that no detailed financial analysis had taken place. Members noted that the budget setting process would be starting shortly, and if Members felt strongly about a CPO for it the monies to be identified through the process. Members were reminded that many attempts had been made by officers for a timetable of development from the site owners and CIL payments had been made to the Council.

Cllr. Purves exercised her right of reply. A vote was taken on the motion as set out above, and was lost.

Cllr. Streatfeild proposed the following motion, which was duly seconded by Cllr. Shea.

“Sevenoaks District Council supports the five outcomes of the Care Leavers Covenant.

Sevenoaks District Council agrees to become signatories to the Care Leavers Covenant.

The Council notes the four stages to becoming signatories to the covenant.”

Speaking to the motion, Cllr Streatfeild set out that by following a campaign for the care leavers covenant, the outward signal it demonstrates to those leaving care is important. Stories heard in wards – with resilience and great hardship which they bear no responsibility but impact. National campaign to be on the side of the vulnerable.

Members debated the motion giving consideration to the statistics surrounding care leavers and the anticipated difference it could make to the care leavers lives, by building opportunities. It was noted that Kent County Council (KCC) were the corporate parent and therefore were responsible. The Council’s Hero team worked closely with KCC. Members debated the responsibility of the covenant and what it demonstrated. It was mooted whether an amendment could be put forward for consideration for referring to the Advisory Committee.

Cllr. Streatfeild exercised his right of reply. A vote was taken on the motion as set out above, and was lost.