Fenland independent councillors in bid to amend ban on land sale motion

Twelve members of the Independents Alliance on Fenland District Council have submitted a motion calling on members to reconsider a moratorium put on the sale of council-owned land earlier this year.

The guidance motion to Monday's (14) full council meeting seeks to make amendments to the motion proposed by Councillor Steve Tierney, which put a stop to council owned land in Wisbech close to the proposed incinerator site, being sold for six months.

The proposed amendment has been submitted by Councillor Mike Cornwell, and is supported by Councillors Will sutton, Sarah Bligh, Gavin Booth, Daniel Divine, Charlie Marks, Nick Meekins, Dave Patick, Simon Wilkes, Fred Yeulett and Bob Wicks.

Councillor Tanfield explained: "The motion is not specifically about any business we just want Fenland District Council to look creatively at the land it owns - to consider the bigger picture."

A statement on behalf of the 12 added: "We have heard that businesses near the area of the proposed incinerator and railway line sites are unable to expand because of the restrictions imposed by the motion passed on September 8 2020.

"As well as not being able to expand there is every chance that businesses will be thinking of leaving the area and this would have a detrimental effect on jobs and security for local people and also have a negative impact on National Non Domestic Rates.

"We want to protect the prospects of the rail line to and from Wisbech, as well as continue to oppose the proposed incinerator, protect job creation/retention opportunities in the local area, and restore some reputational damage done by the previous motion.

"We want to make sure that FDC looks creatively at the land they own, and promote an 'Open for Business' mantra."