Court of Appeal quashes closure of Poverest Adult Education Centre
A disabled man has secured a landmark legal victory preventing the closure of an adult education centre in Orpington, Bromley. Jerome, a man in his 30s with learning disabilities, atypical autism, and epilepsy, has been a regular user of the Poverest Adult Education Centre for 14 years, attending four days a week. The Court of Appeal ruled on July 10 that Bromley Council's decision to close the centre was unlawful due to a failure to consult with Jerome and 98 other users with learning difficulties and disabilities (LLDD).
Family hails 'historic victory for disability rights'
Jerome's father described the ruling as "a historic victory for disability rights in Bromley," adding that the college is "a second home to my son." The family launched legal action after the council announced plans two years ago to replace the centre with housing. A Deputy High Court Judge had dismissed Jerome's claim in January, despite finding the council's lack of consultation unlawful, ruling that the outcome would likely not have differed. However, the Court of Appeal overturned that decision.
Judges rule consultation could have made a difference
Lord Justice Dingemans, delivering the judgment, stated: "It was irrational to close the Poverest Centre without first consulting the 99 LLDD users of the Poverest Centre and their carers. That plainly prejudiced them, and is the basis for finding that there was a legitimate expectation of consultation before closure." The court noted that for some users, the centre was "a centre of their lives outside their homes." The ruling quashes the council's closure decision, requiring a proper consultation before any future closure.
Centre's importance to disabled learners highlighted
Poverest offers part-time courses in arts, crafts, cookery, computing, and ESOL, with about half of its learning hours dedicated to LLDD learners. Court documents showed Jerome's use of the centre helped him develop relationships and avoid social isolation. Solicitor Basmah Sahib of Bindmans' Public Law team said: "I remain inspired by the way the local community came together to challenge the closure... The ruling confirms that they had a right to be heard all along; and the Court of Appeal has acknowledged that what the students and their families have to say is capable of making a difference."
Council's plans for housing and service relocation
Bromley Council had planned to close the centre due to high repair costs and relocate SEND services to the Kentwood Adult Education Centre in Penge, 8.2 miles away. In December 2025, the council submitted a planning application to demolish the centre and build 44 affordable homes as part of a £23.7m 'Bromley Homes for Bromley People' programme. A council spokesperson said: "We will examine the judgment carefully, but it is disappointing that this decision is likely to impact or delay improvements to a service designed to benefit more residents... Consultation on the future hub-and-spoke model... was intended to take place during the 2026/27 academic year."
