Restrictions on disposal or use of land
36(1)While the procedure for becoming a school of another category is pending in relation to a school, a local authority may not, without the consent of the Welsh Ministers—
(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.
(2)Sub-paragraph (1) does not apply in relation to a disposal which is made in accordance with a contract entered into, or an option granted, before the procedure for becoming a school of another category was started in relation to the school.
(3)Sub-paragraph (4) applies if—
(a)proposals for becoming a school of another category are approved or the governing body has determined to implement them, and
(b)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 any land to be transferred.
(4)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 that land until the date on which that matter is finally determined.
(5)A disposal or contract is not invalid or void by reason only that it has been made or entered into in breach of this paragraph and a person acquiring land, or entering into a contract to acquire land, from a local authority is not to be concerned to enquire whether any consent required by this paragraph has been given.
(6)This paragraph has effect despite anything in section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 (general power to dispose of land) or in any other enactment; and the consent required by this paragraph is in addition to any consent required by subsection (2) of that section or by any other enactment.
(7)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.