DISTRICT councillors will consider extending the controversial contract to sell Wentworth Street car park in Malton and develop the site into a supermarket.

A four-year contract between Ryedale District Council and Leeds-based developer GMI Holbeck is due to expire on May 4. The firm has asked for an extension and its application will be discussed by members at a full meeting of the district council tomorrow night (Thursday).

However, Councillors Paul Andrews and Lindsay Burr are putting forward a motion to block the proposal, arguing that the contract cannot be completed until GMI can provide a supermarket developer to build on the car park.

In a joint statement, they said: “The saga of the sale of Wentworth street car park rolls on. We have put a motion to full council to try to change councillors’ minds regarding the sale of the site and we have both refused to support another supermarket on this site over the last four years. The motion highlights the fact that since 2008 GMI has not found a potential buyer and it just proves that there is no appetite for a development of this scale on Wentworth Street car park.

“Our motion gives the Conservative ruling group a chance to re-think its long-term strategy and back the views of the local residents and businesses, who do not want this supermarket scheme in Malton.

“After four years, a buyer has not been found and the GMI contract should be withdrawn, as it has now come to an end. If this is agreed on Thursday, the new incoming council could re-appraise the situation with fresh eyes.”

Councillor Linda Cowling, leader of the council, confirmed that the authority had received a request from GMI Holbeck for an extension to the contract it had with the council for the purchase of land at Wentworth Street car park.

“There have been delays, which it is argued are outside the control of GMI and could be attributable to the council,” she said. “I believe that the request to extend the time limit in l Continued on page 6 the contract is reasonable and we should extend the contract to reflect those delays. The extension is the subject of a full report by the chief executive, which addresses the risks associated with either extending or not extending the contract.”

Coun Cowling said that after considering all the relevant factors, the views put forward by other members and interested parties and having taken independent advice, she was satisfied that an extension to the contract timetable could result in a successful sale and development which would bring clear benefits to Ryedale.

“Those benefits include efficient use of an under used asset, a capital receipt to fund other projects which are of benefit to the residents of Ryedale, a major new investment in the town, increased competition between similar retailers, increased car parking three hours free and a new petrol filling station. All of which will increase local choice and competition,” she added.

Earlier this month the Court of Appeal ruled that an independent review should take place on the decision to grant planning permission for a supermarket on the Wentworth Street car park following an approach by the Fitzwilliam Malton Estate. The review is expected to be heard in the High Court in Leeds before the end of July.

Roddy Bushell, manager of the Fitzwilliam Malton Estate, said: “The Estate would much prefer for the sale contract to come to an end, as originally envisaged. If there is to be an extension of the contract, there is no reason to extend it beyond the outcome of the Judicial Review.”