A MINORITY of town councillors in Marlborough are using delaying tactics over the sell-off of a piece of land.

The full council has voted in favour of selling the site of dilapidated garages behind the town council offices at 5 High Street.

It is intended that the money raised would be put towards the cost of a major refurbishment of the town hall due to start in the New Year.

A few councillors are unhappy at the council selling off the site and regard it as disposing of part of the council assets.

A move to overthrow the decision was lost when councillors were reminded that under their own standing orders they cannot reconsider a resolution for six months.

On Monday, the councillors opposed to the land sale tried a different tack and used their planning powers to get the scheme delayed.

Planning applications before the town council planning committee on Monday included one for a two-bedroomed house on the garage site behind the council offices.

Mayor Bill Cavill advised councillors that as it was the town council's own plan they should not discuss it but acknowledge its receipt from Kennet District Council.

Coun Marian Hannaford, committee chairman, said members had not had an opportunity to see and discuss the plans that had been prepared for the council by architect Peter Kent.

Coun Nick Fogg said: "We have not had a chance to discuss what is being proposed."

Coun David Parker said: "This is just another attempt to stop this application.

"The council has agreed that we sell this land with the benefit of planning permission for a residential building.

"We need to get best value from the sale of the plot."

Coun Bryan Castle said he thought councillors should have the opportunity to comment on the proposed design of the building.

Former mayor Stewart Dobson said the planning committee members agreed that the plans should go to the next meeting of the finance and general purposes committee so that members could discuss what the architect was proposing.