A council decision to sell land for housing has been challenged amid claims it could be sold below its true value, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
The call-in request by opposition councillors raised concerns over the former Caterhouse Pit site, which is part of the wider Sniperley housing development on the edge of Durham City.
Liberal Democrat, Independent, Labour and Conservative councillors argue the council’s valuation relies on average house prices across County Durham rather than the higher-value DH1 housing market, potentially undervaluing the site and breaching its duty to secure the “best consideration reasonably obtainable” under the Local Government Act.
They also argue that Caterhouse Pit should be retained because of its historic links to the former Framwellgate Colliery and its use by residents as an informal green space and wildlife area. Further concerns centre on plans to use part of the site for sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) serving the wider development.
But Durham County Council has rejected the claims, saying cabinet members had all the relevant information before approving the sale.
In a letter sent to Durham County Council, the councillors claim the land has significant strategic value because its use for drainage infrastructure would free up more of developer County Durham Land’s own land for housing, increasing the value of the overall scheme.
The plea concluded: “Our call-in request is for this to be referred back to Cabinet with the ask that a second valuation of the land is obtained due to what we believe is a clear undervaluation in this report in terms of both the nominal value of Caterhouse Pit and the evidence-based undervaluation of the average house price for this location.
“If the Caterhouse Pit site is deemed to be of no value to the developer, then we request that consideration be made to transferring this to the community as a community asset for its protection for generations to come.”
Yet, the authority said an independent valuation had been reviewed by its own valuers and endorsed by statutory officers. It added that the proposed sale price fell within the valuation range and complied with its legal obligations.
It also rejected concerns over Caterhouse Pit, noting the land is not designated as a nature reserve or listed as an asset of community value.
The call-in request has been tabled ahead of an upcoming Corporate Overview Scrutiny Committee meeting on Monday (June 22).
However, the council’s response added that removing the plot from the deal could force a renegotiation on less favourable terms, delay housing delivery and put the wider development at risk.
“I understand that those requesting the call-in were afforded the opportunity to submit questions to Cabinet and to raise their concerns directly at the meeting on April 22 but chose not to do so,” the council concluded.
“Officers have addressed these matters in separate correspondence to explain the position on the points raised as part of this call-in.
“I do not consider that the case for Call-in has been met and therefore cannot be considered to be reasonable.”
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
