21.—(1) During any period when the procedure for becoming a school of another category is pending in relation to a school, a local authority shall not—
(a)dispose of any land used wholly or partly for the purposes of the school, or
(b)enter into a contract to dispose of such land,
except with the consent of the National Assembly.
(2) Sub-paragraph (1) does not apply in relation to a disposal which is made in pursuance of a contract entered into, or an option granted, before the procedure for becoming a school of another category was initiated in relation to the school.
(3) Where proposals for becoming a school of another category are approved, the procedure for becoming a school of another category is not to be treated as terminated for the purposes of this paragraph in relation to any land, where agreement is required to be reached under paragraph 2(1) of Schedule 10 to the Education Reform Act 1988 (identification of property, etc.) on any matter relating to that land, until the date on which that matter is finally determined.
(4) A disposal or contract shall not be invalid or void by reason only that it has been made or entered into in contravention of this paragraph and a person acquiring land, or entering into a contract to acquire land, from a local authority shall not be concerned to enquire whether any consent required by this paragraph has been given.
(5) This paragraph has effect notwithstanding anything in section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972(1) (general power to dispose of land) or in any other enactment; and the consent required by this paragraph shall be in addition to any consent required by subsection (2) of that section or by any other enactment.
(6) In this paragraph—
(a)references to disposing of land include granting or disposing of any interest in land, and
(b)references to entering into a contract to dispose of land include granting an option to acquire land or such an interest.