ALTON Town CouncilÕs planning committee has declined to part with a strip of land adjoining Hawthorns for fear of setting a precedent for selling public open space.
The decision to turn down an offer by a Hawthorns resident, who wanted to purchase a narrow strip of council land adjacent to his property in order widen his driveway, followed a lengthy debate resulting in a five to one vote against the sale.
Speaking during public session, Michael Simpson said he wanted to purchase the land in order to get his four vehicles off the road.
The land, he said, was currently unused and overgrown.
Originally owned by Wimpey but given to Alton Town Council for use as public open space, the strip of land in question runs alongside 17 Hawthorns and is flanked by a drainage ditch.
Firstly councillors pointed out that the area of bank in question could prove an expensive piece of land to buy as it would have to be officially removed from the legal agreement. They were concerned also that the ditch be kept clear as it forms part of a vital drainage system needed to prevent flooding of neighbouring Southview Rise and Cherry Way.
Councillors were concerned that they should not be seen to be doing anything which could in any way exacerbate the flooding problem.
While understanding Mr SimpsonÕs desire to get his vehicles off the road, council leader David Willoughby felt that the council would not want to Òopen the flood gatesÓ for others wishing to purchase council owned land.