A DETAILED report on Calderdale Council's apparent mishandling of a scheme to get land for shops, a swimming pool and car park in Brighouse is being kept under wraps.
Councillors are refusing to publish the report which will reveal the findings of a probe by internal auditors, which it is understood, will show "a lack of formal strategic management of the scheme".
The plan for the Sugden's Mill site was 10 years in the making and collapsed in January after a public inquiry into a compulsory purchase order.
The council and its development partner, CDP, of Elland, wanted to build retail units, a replacement swimming pool and extra car parking spaces.
But after years of wrangling the planning inspector ruled against a compulsory purchase order for the land. It will now be developed by the owner Younger Homes Ltd.
The argument is thought to have cost the parties involved nearly £1 million in legal fees.
External auditors Grant Thornton advised councillors to hire enough experienced officers to manage such schemes, any objections and inquiries.
The council's own auditors reported on their investigations and recommendations at Monday's audit committee.
They drew attention to governance, senior accountability, project roles, resourcing, statutory officer involvement, communications, documentation and risk management, all of which they say were "lacking" with the scheme.
An investigation by Weight-mans Solicitors, of Liverpool, found there was no truth in allegations that the council withheld evidence or deliberately tried to present false evidence to the inquiry.
But they did criticise the way the council prepared to compulsorily purchase the site and nearby land at Mill Royd Street, Briggate and Bridge Road.
The Courier is trying to use the Freedom of Information Act to persuade the council to reveal the content of the audit report.
The full article contains 314 words and appears in Evening Courier newspaper.
