Published: Saturday, 15th March, 2008 10:44am

Joy as council refuses to sell off 'ransom strip'

RESIDENTS rejoiced this week as Slough Borough Council refused to sell a strip of land which is key to a controversial housing development.

Councillors voted to halt negotiations over the land at Upton Court Park with homes developer Kelobridge after a four-hour debate at Monday's cabinet meeting.

The land, which has become known as the â€˜ransom strip', is needed as an access route for the developer's proposed 300 homes in Castleview Road.

Resident John Jurkiw, who led a 2,100 signature petition against the sale, said: "We are all really pleased with the decision. It was the best outcome we could have hoped for. It is good news but we know the developer will keep on trying and we have to be prepared for that."

The developer offered £7m for the land which is protected by a covenant ensuring it is only used for public pleasure.

The borough's cabinet decided against trying to lift the covenant in order to make the sale.

Cllr Dexter Smith, commissioner for planning and transport, said: "This was the right decision. It was quite clear dozens of residents were claiming benefit of the covenant on Upton Court Park and demonstrating they were prepared to fight all the way, making the process of attempting to break the covenant less certain and more costly."

However, cabinet member Cllr David Munkley said the sale was a â€˜golden opportunity' for the immediate area. Cllr Geoff Howard argued that the land would be built on eventually and the council should at the very least benefit from the sale of this strip. The development in Castleview Road was given the green light at appeal after permission was refused by the council in 2005.

Castleview Primary School stood to benefit from a new and improved school building if the sale went ahead ahead.

Headteacher Italo Cafolla said: "I'm disappointed that the council did not see the benefit to the school. I've been working on this since 2000 and I will continue to work to ensure that the school is at the forefront of this development. I need to do that for the children and the community."

For more see this week's Slough Observer.