Sevenoaks District Council is reassuring local residents that there are no plans to sell the theatre.
Councillor Kevin Maskell, Leader of Sevenoaks District Council, has reassured residents that, at no point, has Sevenoaks District Council had any intention of selling The Stag Theatre. It is a greatly valued cultural venue for the district, and the council are fully committed to keeping it in public ownership for community use.
The freehold was previously granted to Sevenoaks Town Council with a 25-year long lease to manage the Stag, which has another 10 years to run.
The District Council are however assessing Sevenoaks Town Council’s application for a Community Asset Transfer of The Stag.
As part of the considerations, the District Council must observe Government requirements and advice from their independent external auditors. This means the Stag cannot be disposed of for free and Sevenoaks Town Council has provided a valuation on that basis.
Sevenoaks District Council stress that no final decision has been taken on the future of The Stag. But they have confirmed they are not seeking a commercial sale, but will continue to look at all options on how best to support a community asset transfer whilst ensuring the decision is lawful.
It has been highlighted to the Town Council, that the online petition submitted via Change.org, cannot be treated as a formal petition under the rules of the Council’s Constitution, however the issues raised within it are important. For this reason, the petition will be considered by the Chairman of the Council to ensure residents’ views are heard while upholding the legal and governance standards that protect both the Council and the community.
The District Council has reiterated that it values and fully supports The Stag Theatre remaining as a public asset. The District Council will continue to look at all options to support those values through the community asset transfer process and a decision is expected later in the year.
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