Dear Sir,

At a meeting of the Recreation Committee of Great Aycliffe Town Council on 22nd February 2017, Cllr. Ken Robson proposed and Cllr. Arun Chandran seconded that, “the Council writes to Durham County Council to explore the possibility that DCC lease the former Elmfield School site to the Town Council at a peppercorn rent, with a view to the Town Council maintaining it as a natural extension to West Park, until such time as it is needed for development”.

It was agreed that, it be recommended that Officers contact Durham County Council to ascertain if they would be prepared to release the land to Great Aycliffe Town Council. Following a freedom of information request by Ken and Arun.

DCC replied that four bids have been received to redevelop the site for residential use. The bids are currently being evaluated on the basis of obtaining best consideration. This is a statutory requirement and is a confidential process.

The proposals put forward by Great Aycliffe Town Council to retain a green corridor for the land adjacent to Woodham Burn and open space to the northern part of the site, were incorporated into the marketing details. These will form part of any proposed development.

Cllr Ken Robson and Cllr Arun M Chandran