Oakham Town Council has narrowly approved a feasibility study to explore the future of council-owned land at The Vale, a move that could potentially lead to the site being sold for housing development.
While no final decision to sell has been made, the proposal has sparked significant debate among councillors regarding financial transparency, the future of local sports clubs, and the council’s decision-making process.
The feasibility study is expected to cost several thousand pounds. Funding for the project will be drawn from two sources, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the council’s own reserves.
The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the viability of the site for residential use. However, the project also necessitates looking into the relocation of the Oakham Bowls Club and the Oakham Tennis Club, both of which currently occupy the land under "peppercorn" rent agreements.
The meeting, chaired by Deputy Chair Councillor Paul Ainsley in the absence of Chairman Chris Nix, revealed deep divisions within the council. The proposal ultimately passed only through the use of Cllr Ainsley’s casting vote, supported by Councillors Christopher Clark and John Harris.
Cllr Johnathon Nicolls says that the UK Prosperity Fund should be directed toward general town improvements rather than a housing feasibility study. Cllr Sally-Anne Wadsworth expressed concerns over the use of "dwindling reserves" and cited a history of unfinished projects, such as Princess Avenue and Victoria Hall.
Concerns were raised regarding the displacement of long-standing clubs. Cllr Wadsworth highlighted recent investments made by the Bowls Club to improve accessibility. Cllr Martin Brookes questioned the logic of the move, noting the council’s ongoing difficulty in finding land for a skate park: "How are we going to find the land to house new sport facilities?" he asked.
Some members have said that the initial paperwork did not explicitly state housing as the "end goal," a detail that only emerged during questioning of Cllr Ainsley during the meeting.
The study also brings the current state of the Tennis Club into focus. Reports indicate that while the club’s lease mandates, they are responsible for all maintenance and repairs, the building has fallen into disrepair.
Questions have also been raised regarding the legitimacy of a 15-year lease previously agreed upon by a former council member. This agreement reportedly removed a "free-to-use" court covenant for residents a move the club had long sought. Despite the lease terms, the club recently approached the council seeking taxpayer funding for repairs, a request that has been met with resistance.
In light of the narrow vote, Cllr Martin Brookes expressed frustration that such significant decisions could be made by a small number of members, renewing calls for the council to co-opt additional members to ensure broader representation.
Residents who wish to voice their opinions on the plans for The Vale are encouraged to attend the upcoming Town Meeting.
Meeting Details:
Location: Long Row, Oakham
Date: Tuesday, 12th May 2026
Time: 6:00 pm
Editors Note: In accordance with the Local Government Act, details regarding the exact cost of phase one and the name of the contracted company may be withheld by the Council at this stage.
.png)
.jpg)