THE TRANSFER of the Five Acres college campus site to Forest of Dean District Council ownership has been delayed by Homes England dragging its feet, says the latest report.

Homes England, which owns the site, had agreed to the transfer in October last year.

But a report to Thursday’s meeting of the council scrutiny committee says the sale has been frustrated by Homes England’s failure to complete the necessary legal paperwork.

The report says: “On 18 October 2018 Full Council resolved to purchase the Five Acres site from Homes England.

“Since that decision the Council has instructed solicitors and has carried out all the necessary pre-requisite checks and legal searches to enable a transfer to take place.

“Unfortunately, we are still waiting for title documents and draft contracts from HE to enable matters to proceed.

“Officers have contacted Homes England with a view to understanding why things are not progressing and have been advised that whilst it remains the government body’s intention to transfer the land on the terms previously agreed, some further work is required.