Decision details

The Committee received and considered a resident request to purchase land at the rear of 25 Vanner Road, Witney.

The request was to purchase land which was a mix of grass/shrubland and hardstanding and while members were understanding of the request, similar requests had already been declined in other areas. The Council had declared a climate emergency and wanted to see any green areas maintained for their green, biodiverse and aesthetic value.

All amenity land was created for a purpose, be it those listed above or simply for recreational value and the Council had no obligation to sell them as disappointing as this may be to residents. It was agreed that any request to purchase amenity land under the Town Council’s ownership in the future should be denied for these reasons.

RESOLVED:

1.       That the request by a resident to purchase land at the rear of 25 Vanner Road be declined for the reasons listed above.

RECOMMENDED:

2.       That Witney Town Council values all open spaces and amenity lands in its ownership across Witney. These areas, regardless of size or location contribute to the visible, recreational, and biodiverse landscape across the town. Grass areas in particular aid drainage and help mitigate against surface water flooding.

Therefore, the Town Council resolves to deny any requests from residents to purchase Town- Council land, to extend their household area in the future.