Council leaders have resurrected controversial plans to sell off greenspace for housing to pay for a crematorium expansion.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is proposing to include the 16.6 acre Arnold Grove site next to Bradwell Crematorium in its updated asset management strategy.

It is proposed to use some of the land to extend the crematorium, with another portion being sold off for development to fund the scheme, which could cost up to £1.4 million.

This was first considered by the council's previous Conservative administration, but the idea later scrapped following public opposition.

The land was then earmarked for a Fields in Trust application, which would have seen it protected from future development.

But the council's current Reform UK leaders have now revived the land sale proposal as a way of funding the crematorium scheme.

They say selling off the land will mean the council will not have to borrow the funds, which will save taxpayers money.

The proposed updates to the asset management strategy were examined by the finance, assets and performance scrutiny committee.

Conservative members comparing the disposal of sites such as Arnold Grove to 'selling off the family silver', but council leader Jonathan Gullis insisted it would be the responsible thing to do. He accused the Tories of dodging 'difficult decisions' in the past.

Cllr Gullis said: "There is a need for development in order to fund the expansion of the crematorium in Bradwell.

"In fact, this was included in previous plans and had cabinet approval, in June 2021. Architects drew up a masterplan and consultation was undertaken. But a couple of residents complained, and therefore you decided to row back.

"The crematorium expansion is going to cost up to £1.4 million, so rather than going to the lever of high tax, high spend or borrow, borrow, borrow, we are looking at how to use assets that will generate high quality homes, which will improve our tax base, on sites that will also enable us to develop the expansion of the crematorium.

"I make no apologies for looking at these areas and consulting with local residents in order to get an idea of what we think could be a sensible middle ground."

The Arnold Grove site was among a number which were proposed for registration with Fields in Trust, a national charity, by the previous Tory administration.

Under the scheme, the council and the charity would sign a deed of dedication for each site, ensuring they are retained for public use in perpetuity.

Cllr Gullis confirmed that Arnold Grove had been withdrawn from consideration for Fields in Trust, although no final decision has been taken in relation to the land, and any disposal would be subject to public consultation.

Conservative group leader Simon Tagg criticised the proposed sale of the Arnold Grove site.

He said: "Fields in Trust is the ultimate protection for green space in this borough. The previous administration put a whole hat-load of sites in there, and hopefully they will go through.

"It seems to be that the family silver is up for grabs in this borough again. It seems they're selling the family silver and the green space from under the local residents."

Cllr Tagg raised similar concerns over St Edmunds Avenue, Porthill and Sheldon Grove, Chesterton, which are also set to be added to the asset management strategy after previously being proposed for Fields in Trust.

But the committee voted against Cllr Tagg's proposal to ask cabinet to remove these sites, instead voting to support the changes to the strategy.

These are the new sites listed for inclusion in the council's asset management strategy.

• Riley's Way, Bignall End
• Gresley Way, Bignall End
• Milford Road, Seabridge
• St Edmunds Avenue, Porthill
• Sheldon Grove, Chesterton
• Slaney Street/ Occupation Street, Newcastle
• Cross Street, Longbridge Hayes
• Arnold Grove, Bradwell