Review Into Council’s Handling Of Redevelpment Plan Discussed ‘Behind Closed Doors’

A review into how the District Council handled the controversial plan to redevelop an elderly people’s housing complex in Market Harborough was discussed ‘behind closed doors’ last night.

Councillors on the Audit and Standards Committee were shown the findings of the ‘Assets Review’ in private and confidential session, meaning the public and press were barred from hearing proceedings.

Other councillors not on the committee, but who were in the public gallery, were also asked to leave, after the meeting heard the authority had sought legal advice from Queen’s Counsel on the matter.

The investigation was launched after the authority was accused of paying too much for a bungalow in Granville Street, so the land could be used in the redevelopment of Naseby Square on the Southern Estate.

The Council paid £920,000 for the property, with claims it was valued at only £303,000.

At the time of the purchase, the authority said it would more than recover the money it paid out for the bungalow, after selling its land and sealing a deal with Platform Housing Group to build 38 new affordable homes at the site off Stuart Road.

It is not known if the findings of the review will ever be made public.

The bungalow at 87 Granville Street purchased by the council
PIC: ANDY CARPENTER