A BID to release confidential documents concerning Basildon Council’s sale of a £1million plot of land for £1 has been rejected.

Independent Basildon councillor Kerry Smith submitted a motion to be discussed at the full meeting of the council next week.

However, mayor of Basildon David Dadds, has removed the motion from the agenda, saying it would be unconstitutional of the council to share confidential information.

The documents concern the sale of the five-acre plot of land next to Basildon Golf Course, which was agreed in February, to make way for a high-end hotel.

Prior to the sale, Mr Smith shared details of the transaction after council leader Andrew Baggott copied in members of the press into an e-mail row between the two council figures. The council’s audit and risk group has agreed to investigate the sale.