Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has begun a fresh process for disposing of surplus land at Mantlin Road in Kesh after community opposition and the withdrawal of an expression of interest halted an earlier plan.

The previous proposal to release the site for housing collapsed when questions were raised about how an Expression of Interest had been submitted on behalf of the Kesh Development Association. Councillor David Mahon highlighted that the association had no record of discussions about the submission in its minutes and described the situation as concerning.

The entire KDA committee subsequently resigned and was replaced by a new 16-member board, which publicly opposed the sale. More than 80 residents attended the association’s annual general meeting in May, where concerns were voiced about the loss of green space, impact on community wellbeing, pressure on sewage infrastructure and a lack of public consultation.

Council Director of Environment and Place John News confirmed the new committee had withdrawn the previous expression of interest. The council has agreed to first offer the site to other public bodies before, if there is no interest, opening a Community Asset Transfer process allowing community organisations to submit proposals. Mr News also said a refreshed title check had found the land has clear title with no restrictive covenants.

Ulster Unionist Councillor John McClaughry said the land should be kept on hold until a meeting with the new KDA committee and that public opinion was against any development. Sinn Féin Councillor Noleen Hayes noted it was the former KDA board that submitted the expression of interest, adding that the council was not pushing the plan on the community.

The recommendation to restart the disposal process was supported across the chamber.