Council urged not to sell site with public space

A council is being urged not to sell a parcel of land, which includes public open space, in what is being described as a "fire-sale".

Devon County Council wants to sell the site at County Hall in Exeter, which was previously used as council offices.

The council says the sale of the Matford Offices site will provide an opportunity "for the provision of affordable homes, care leaver housing and key worker housing".

Opponents say the council will not be able to control how the land is developed and claim the move could open the door to more being sold off.

A report prepared for Devon County Council's cabinet said the land was "declared surplus" in 2023.

The recommendation in the report said officers should "first explore and prioritise opportunities in a manner that contributes to the council's strategic plan ambitions."

It also added that there should be a focus on "affordable homes, care leaver housing and key worker housing".

Green Party councillor Andy Ketchin said: "The report gives a false impression of the influence that the county council would have if they sell this land.

"Once it is on the market and a planning application is made, it would be in the hands of Exeter City Council."

Resident Will Duffin said the council plan amounted to a "fire-sale" of publicly-owned land, which represented a "serious mistake".

Duffin said more than 300 residents gathered on the grass at County Hall at the end of February to show their opposition to the plans.

He said: "Local people are concerned about the piecemeal sale of these cherished assets and we're making a stand."

The cabinet of Devon County Council is due to decide on the issue when it meets on Wednesday.

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