A ROW is brewing between two councils over the sale of land in Wivenhoe.

Elmstead Parish Council is looking to sell a site opposite Millfields School, in Bowes Road, Wivenhoe, to developers for more than £500,000.

A planning quirk means Wivenhoe Town Council does not own the land, and would not necessarily receive any money from the sale.

The authority is also furious residents and the nearby school have not been consulted over the plans.

The ownership issues date back to 1984, when the developers of the Dene Park housing estate offered the space to Elmstead Parish Council as a contribution to the local amenity.

Boundary changes in 1996 meant the estate came under the jurisdiction of Wivenhoe Town Council, but the open space stayed in Elmstead Parish Council’s ownership.

Neil Lodge, mayor of Wivenhoe, said “Selling off this site would mean the loss of an open space. Building houses there would put a further strain on Wivenhoe’s already inadequate infrastructure.

“Wivenhoe Town Council will attempt to stop it via any legal means to protect the best interests of the people of Wivenhoe.

“We are encouraging residents who feel strongly about this issue to make their views known, politely but clearly, to Elmstead Parish Council.”

Minutes from an Elmstead Parish Council meeting show it had been offering the land to a number of developers.

The minutes read: “This land has limited value as it stands, and in fact is a drain on Elmstead Parish Council resources as it requires maintenance.

“Wivenhoe Town Council is unlikely to pay much to purchase the land, and it refused our invitation to join in a planning application for a share of the proceeds.

“As Elmstead Parish Council wishes to find a resolution for the land, it is important we explore the possibility of selling the land for residential development, as otherwise we will not have performed our duties to the people of Elmstead who we represent.

“Several builders were not interested, but offers have been received from Jenny Moody Properties and Bermac Properties.

“Jenny Moody Properties has offered £517,067 for an option whereby they will have 18 months to achieve consent at their cost and would then have the right to purchase.”

Cathy Burling, Elmstead Parish Council clerk, said yesterday: “We will not be in a position to provide a press statement before the end of today.

“I will ensure a statement explaining these points is sent as soon as possible.”