Council approve £1M plus sale of land used as Doncaster Rovers car park

The plot of land at Lakeside north of Rovers' Keepmoat Stadium has been earmarked for a 'new commercial development'.

The area will be used by a 'national business' to create a new warehouse and regional headquarters allowing the firm to 'expand their operation in Doncaster'.

The redacted report - due to 'commercial sensitivity' - doesn't say which firm has acquired the land or how much it's been sold for. Documents also reveal the land had five bids and after 13 weeks on the property market.

But decisions on council land sales over £1 million has to be approved by elected councillors at a cabinet meeting.

Part of the land is currently used as an away fan car park on Doncaster Rovers' match days and council bosses say the 19.2 acre plot is 'surplus to requirements'.

At a meeting on Tuesday, cabinet members passed the recommendations set out by officers.

Council bosses were concerned about a 'loss of employment' if the company couldn't find a new location within Doncaster. It was feared the firm would relocate elsewhere.

The bid is subject to gaining 'satisfactory planning permission' and deductions to be agreed in relation to any 'abnormal development costs'.

Coun Joe Blackham, cabinet member for highways, said: "There's nothing new that's not in the report - it's a comprehensive piece of work and I suggest we go along with the recommendations for the best interests of Doncaster for a Doncaster-based company to improve their potential for growth and our potential for growth.

"This is a no-brainer, it's a win-win scenario."

Mayor Ros Jones added: "It certainly is the right way forward and it shows how working together takes Doncaster forward so I'm delighted to see this."