THE new leaders at Stroud District Council have approved the sale of a small plot of land in Cam, which could give way to a small housing development.

Members of the executive committee have agreed to transfer a piece of land at the end of Springfield to planner Robert Hitchens Ltd (RHL).

The land is currently a grass verge but RHL want to use it as access to an adjoining piece of land they own where they hope to secure planning permission for housing.

The company is proposing 11 to 12 two and three bedroom houses on the land, which is near Tilsdown House.

RHL do not develop sites themselves. The company assembles sites, obtains planning consent and then sells the scheme to a developer.

In return for the transfer the council would get one third of the sale proceeds achieved from the sale of the entire site, on condition RHL get planning consent.

The site could be sold for up to £450,000 so the council’s share could be as much as £150,000.

Cllr Mattie Ross, executive policy lead for housing, said the money would be used by the council to build more affordable housing.

She said: "The officers have worked on this and there are several options but the best deal seems to be to get the cash as soon as it’s sold.

"The money will go towards the Housing Revenue Account, which will allow us to have some more rebuild."

Cllr Ross said there had been some consultation with ward members for Cam and admitted there had been a mixed response.

Cllr Dennis Andrewartha, ward councillor for Cam West and executive policy lead for planning, said there had been several planning applications on the adjoining land and appeals.

He said: "Whilst I’m not a great supporter of it getting planning permission I’m a big supporter of this council getting the best deal on this land."

Cllr Paul Denney, ward member for Cam West, said he had canvassed residents in Springfield who were mostly against the proposals. He also raised concerns about the suitability of Springfield as an access road.