Cautious optimism following KEVICC open meeting
At a well attended public meeting, ESW acknowledged past mistakes, discussed the possibility of a community bid and revised sale boundaries, and committed to further engagement.
11 November 2026 | Friends of Lower Field
Local residents, elected representatives, Friends of Lower Field (FoLF) and Education South West (ESW) came together at KEVICC on Tuesday 10 November for an open meeting to discuss the proposed sale of part of Lower Field.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the community to raise concerns directly with ESW and discuss possible alternatives.
Strong feelings were expressed about the proposed sale and how it has been handled. However, the discussion also explored ways of securing investment for the school while protecting land and facilities valued by the wider community.
This article is a factual summary of the main points raised and responses given during the meeting. More detailed analysis of the issues discussed will follow in a separate article.
ESW acknowledges mistakes
ESW acknowledged that mistakes had been made in its handling of the proposed sale, particularly around the installation of signs and fencing and the lack of earlier communication and engagement with the community.
Representatives also explained that ESW had not previously undertaken a land disposal of this kind and was relying on professional advisers to guide the process.
Community bid and sale timetable
The possibility of a community-led purchase was discussed at several points during the meeting.
ESW did not commit to giving a community bid preferential treatment. However, its representatives indicated a willingness to consider such a proposal, while noting that the idea had only recently been raised and would need further consideration.
The discussion also suggested that a community bid might be considered even if it was not the highest offer, although no commitment or criteria were given.
ESW reaffirmed its proposed timetable:
- The land will not be marketed before January 2027.
- Interested parties, including the community, will have until the end of March 2027 to submit bids.
- No sale agreement will be signed before 31 March 2027.
Potential changes to the sale boundaries
During discussions involving Caroline Voaden MP, ESW indicated that it would consider changes to the proposed sale boundaries.
This included the possibility of retaining more of the level ground and improving the amount of land and access available to the community alongside the River Dart.
No specific changes were agreed, but ESW appeared willing to explore alternative arrangements.
Funding for a new all-weather pitch
A suggestion was raised towards the end of the meeting about whether community fundraising could contribute towards a new all-weather pitch.
The discussion explored the possibility of raising the approximately 30% contribution understood to be needed alongside potential Football Association funding.
This was suggested as a separate initiative from a community purchase of the land, although it could potentially form part of a wider proposal.
ESW indicated some willingness to consider the fundraising idea, while expressing reservations about its feasibility.
No decisions were made.
The importance of the field to the community
Several contributions highlighted the importance of the Lower Field to local residents and families.
One parent spoke about the role the field plays in children's lives and the value of having access to open space.
The contribution was an important part of a meeting in which residents expressed strong feelings about the future of the site.
How will the sale proceeds be used?
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, stated that all proceeds from the sale would be used for the benefit of KEVICC rather than elsewhere within the trust.
He acknowledged that this was currently a verbal assurance.
When asked about providing a formal commitment, he indicated that he would not object to approaching the Department for Education to explore whether this could be included in writing as part of the disposal conditions. He cautioned that the process could take time.
No written commitment was confirmed at the meeting.
Further engagement
ESW indicated that it would consider holding another open meeting to provide further opportunities for community participation.
Following the meeting, Matthew Shanks also spoke with FoLF members and expressed an interest in continuing discussions.
FoLF will continue to share updates through this website and use its mapping work to help residents understand and discuss potential changes to the proposed sale.
What happens next?
The meeting did not result in any formal agreement about a community purchase, changes to the sale boundaries or alternative funding arrangements.
However, ESW acknowledged shortcomings in its handling of the process and indicated a willingness to consider some of the alternatives raised.
For FoLF, the outcome is one of cautious optimism. There is still considerable work to do, but the meeting provided an opportunity for direct discussion and identified several options worth exploring further.
We would like to thank everyone who attended, contributed to the discussion and raised questions.
Those who attended are encouraged to share any further reflections in the WhatsApp discussion forum. We also welcome contributions from those who were unable to attend.
FoLF will continue to publish updates as further information becomes available.