Environmental Education Centre, School Lane, Horton Kirby

** 15th September 25 - Just to confirm that Sevenoaks District Council have turned down the Parish Council's request to consider the Old School building as an Asset of Community Value**

The Old (or South) School in School Lane, Horton Kirby, has been listed for auction by Kent County Council as the building was declared 'surplus to KCC service use'.

The The Parish Council is disappointed that they have been unable to register the old school as an 'Asset of Community Value' under the Community Right to Bid.

This is due to Kent County Council (KCC) not responding to several requests for advice and misinformation from Sevenoaks District Council (SDC). This resulted in a delay getting the correct paperwork to Sevenoaks District Council.

SDC have stated that a decision on the nomination will be made no later than the 19th September 2025.The date that the auction ends is 18th September 2025.

The Parish Council have written to County Councillor Marc Logen, Kent County Council and Sevenoaks District Council to complain about the lack of clear communication and failure to meet service expectations.

The School is a historic and important building within the Parish. It was opened in 1857 and was originally called 'Horton Kirby National School' and was designed to take up to 70 children - by 1894 204 children were on the school roll. It replaced the Dame School that was in The Street. A Yew tree was brought from the Dame School and planted at the front of the school.