A COUNCIL is to sell a small plot of overgrown land to raise cash.

The 2,255 square metres of property off Vale Street in Darwen will be put up for auction.

It belongs to the environment department of Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The borough would include a ‘clawback provision’ in any sale so that it would receive a portion of any profits made by the purchaser if, for instance, the plot received planning permission for housing.

The decision to sell the land was made by the council’s environment and regeneration bosses Cllr Jim Smith and Cllr Phil Riley.

They acted on an officer's report which told them: “This overgrown piece of land has been identified as one which could realise a capital receipt.

“It is recommended, therefore, that the council dispose of the site by way of auction. It is in a predominantly residential area about half a mile north west of Darwen centre.

“The neighbouring playground is to be excluded from any disposal.”