Deputy mayor quits over land deal

Coun Peter Dolman at the spot where he played football as a boy

By Hayley Court
Deputy mayor of Calne Peter Dolman has resigned from his position over plans to build a community centre on land where he played football as a boy.

The town councillor, who was elected more than three years ago, is so upset at plans to build on land at Bremhill View that he believes he can no longer be deputy mayor but will keep his seat on the council.

Coun Dolman said: "I recreated the World Cup victory of 1966 in that field with my friends.

"I grew up using it for recreation and that is what children in the area should be doing for years to come.

"I just don't feel that morally I could remain deputy town mayor when I plan to campaign against this if it is eventually submitted as a planning application.

"It is very sad as I had hoped to one day be mayor but my principles will not allow me."
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In the 1930s the land was gifted to Calne Town Council for recreational purposes.

The row has developed after original plans to build a community centre on land owned by developer Persimmon Homes in Amberley Close, Calne, were deemed too expensive.

The developer was meant to provide land for the community centre as part of its planning permission for a large housing estate in north Calne given in 2001.

But Persimmon later said it could not undertake the building work as well unless 16 flats were built on top of the community centre to cover the £300,000 expense.

This caused further discussion with Calne town councillors who were worried that putting flats above the centre would bring disagreements about noise and parking.

Instead it has been suggested that the building is put up on the town council owned land behind the North Star Club in Bremhill View.

Persimmon has been asked to give the value of the land previously earmarked for the community centre towards building the community centre on the new site.

The site would officially remain the property of Calne Town Council but be let to the community association.

The plans have not yet been fully discussed between Persimmon and councillors.

Phillip Neale, land director for Persimmon Homes Wessex, said: "Persimmon Homes was invited to confidential discussions with the district and town council to brainstorm creative solutions which may have facilitated the funding of the community hall."

He added: "We believe the best option for the community hall remains for us to gift the land to the district or town council and allow them to find suitable funding."

A meeting will be called between Persimmon and Calne Town Council in the New Year to discuss the council's new proposal.

9:47am Thursday 21st December 2006