Fenland District Council Considers Selling Chapel and Recreation Ground Amid Budget Pressures

Fenland District Council, located in Cambridgeshire, has identified a recreation ground and a former chapel among 18 properties deemed “suitable for disposal.” This action is being considered as the council seeks to alleviate its budget constraints. Specifically, Station Road Recreation Ground in Whittlesey and the chapel situated within Wisbech Cemetery are part of this list, alongside other locations in March, Chatteris, Coates, Wimblington, Benwick, and Leverington. According to a report presented to the council’s cabinet, the authority is confronting “stark choices” regarding its funding and experiencing “continuing pressures on its budget.” Each proposed site will undergo evaluation based on its current and future development prospects, potential, existing use, and probable buyers. Ward councillors will be informed about any intended “disposals” within their respective areas, as will property owners or residents adjacent to the potential sale sites. The report further indicated that these sales could facilitate additional residential development. It stated: “To support the council’s aspirations and the future capital programme it is necessary to dispose of surplus assets which the council owns.” It added: “These proposed sites have been considered alongside the emerging investment strategy and are not considered to meet the current criteria for retention.”