Dreamland sale stalls after Labour and Green councillors call in decision by Thanet District Council
09:13, 07 August 2019
updated: 11:52, 07 August 2019
A decision to sell Dreamland has been put on hold after a council decision to sell the site was called in by opposition councillors.
The Labour Party and Green Party say the "rushed decision" needs more scrutiny on the deal between Thanet District Council (TDC) and Sands Heritage Limited (SHL) to make sure taxpayers are getting the best deal.
The call-in will stall the sale until councillors on the cross-party overview and scrutiny committee examine the proposals more closely.
The council wants to sell the freehold of Dreamland - which it currently owns - to SHL, who currently operate the park and have a 99-year lease on the land.
Cabinet members agreed to the proposals at a special meeting on Thursday evening.
The sale proposals include a 10-year covenant preventing development on site - leading to some suggesting this was not enough - as well as selling the car park land and the cinema building.
But opposition councillors say they are concerned the deal needs to be scrutinised further in public to make sure Dreamland is protected for the future.
Significant public funding was used by the council to save Dreamland from the wrecking ball and further development has been made through lottery grants, public funds and investment by SHL.
Cllr Rob Yates (Lab), shadow cabinet member for financial services and estates at TDC, said: "This decision is being taken at speed. We need time to review the legal advice, to check the council will get best value for money and to ensure that the heritage of the theme park will be kept intact.
"We fear that a rushed decision will not be in the best interest of the residents of Thanet and therefore ask that this decision is reviewed by scrutiny so that cross-party recommendations can be put to cabinet.
Dreamland visitors brave the rain
"We need to make sure this is not a Del Boy deal."
Council leader Bob Bayford (Con) says he welcomes the decision to call in the sale of the Dreamland site before the overview and scrutiny panel.
He added: "The panel's function is precisely this - to monitor and scrutinise important decisions for the district and we support this rigorous and transparent approach.
"Work is currently underway to fix a date for an extraordinary meeting."
It is set to take place on Thursday, August 15, but this is due to be confirmed.
Dreamland has been contacted for comment.
