Cashless land swap agreed despite fears taxpayers will be left with the bill

Councillor Paul Moore raised concerns of the future clean up costs as Sandwell’s cabinet backed the transfer of four council sites to a developer.

Voicing his concerns over the land swap with Taylor Grange Ltd, Councillor Moore asked: “Why is there no information actually contained in the report about the condition of the land the council proposes to accrue the freehold of?

“I do have concerns that the value of the sites could be significantly less than what been estimated by the valuers subject to remediation work that might been needed to be undertaken.”

His questions came as the cabinet was asked will declare four sites on West Bromwich Street and Bromford Road, Oldbury, as surplus to requirements while Taylor Grange gave up land on Dudley Road, Oldbury.

The report said the land swap would allow the company to increase the numbers of homes it has planned for adjacent land.

Responding to Councillor Moore council officers said the cost of the land hadn’t been published because of commercial confidentiality but figures could be provided to him privately.

They added that they the valuations of the land would have included potential clean up costs.

Councillor Danny Millard, cabinet member for inclusive economic growth, said he wanted to reassure: “We are confident in that work we have done already in that estimation with an independent valuer they have taken into consideration any of the works that land needs.”

Recommending the land swap, a report by council bosses stated: “The course of action recommended in this report is unusual in that it seeks to achieve best value by exchange of land rather than separate sales and purchases. Therefore, the prices achieved and spent are not transparent.

“However, the ease of arranging an exchange is mutually beneficial to Taylor Grange and the council as it simplifies negotiation, timescales and legal process."

Cabinet members approved the plan unanimously.