Statement by Parish Council

Published: 04 April 2026

Saturday 4 April 2026

The Parish Council is concerned by the continued spread of misinformation regarding the sale of the reserve burial ground in Sundridge (land at the junction of Penn Lane and Church Road).

For absolute clarity, the Parish Council lawfully disposed of this asset in October 2025, in full compliance with all current legislation, which requires such land to be sold on the open market. The Council formally appointed Clive Emson Auctioneers to conduct the sale and Warners Solicitors to act on its behalf, ensuring that all necessary due diligence was properly carried out. The Parish Council has no influence over who purchases the property and acts strictly in accordance with its Code of Conduct.

All proceeds from the sale are securely held in the Parish Council’s Reserve Account. These funds have been fully reported and recorded at recent Council meetings. In line with our commitment to transparency, all financial transactions—both received and paid—are published at every meeting.

The sale of the burial ground was not undertaken in isolation. It was discussed openly and transparently over a period of nearly two years, with multiple opportunities for public awareness and scrutiny. This included:

• Consultation with the PCC of Sundridge with Ide Hill & Toys Hill, who confirmed their full support in writing

• Ongoing discussion at numerous Parish Council meetings

• Formal valuation processes and the appointment of professional auctioneers and solicitors

• A recorded Council resolution to proceed with the sale by auction, with a reserve price of £60,000

All decisions were made at public meetings, fully minuted, and all relevant documents remain publicly available on the Parish Council website.

Importantly, during the entire consultation period, no residents submitted any objection or representation.

The purpose of the sale was to strengthen the Parish Council’s financial reserves. The Council will now be consulting with residents on how these funds can be used to improve local amenities for the benefit of the whole community.

It is disappointing and unacceptable to hear false, divisive, and potentially defamatory comments directed at Members of the Parish Council. Councillors are volunteers who give their time freely and work tirelessly in the interests of our community.

If any resident has genuine concerns regarding the integrity of the sale, they are encouraged to contact the Clerk directly to seek clarification or guidance on how to formally raise those concerns.

For full transparency, residents may also view all documentation relating to the sale on the Parish Council website or by contacting the Clerk, who will direct them to the relevant records.

The Parish Council is not responsible for planning enforcement. This falls under Sevenoaks District Council. Any concerns regarding enforcement should be directed to your County and District Councillor, Cllr Nigel Williams. (Nigel.Williams@kent.gov.uk)

The Parish Council remains committed to openness, accountability, and serving the best interests of our community.

Amanda Barlow

Clerk, Sundridge with Ide Hill Parish Council

clerk@sundridgewithidehillparishcouncil.gov.uk