LAND earmarked for new houses off Seaward Way in Minehead has been put back on the market after developer David Wilson Homes pulled out of a deal with West Somerset Council.

The council was banking on the sale to help balance its books and pay off debts, but three years after being named as the successful bidder, the developer has walked away from the deal.

A confidential report on the reasons why and the way forward was considered behind closed doors by councillors on Wednesday.

Although the finer details of the deal have never been made public, the district council was expecting to make around £2.6 million from the sale of its assets back in 2012.

As well as Seaward Way, the figure included the sale of Townsend Farm in Carhampton and building land in Simonsbath.

Under the David Wilson deal, around 49 homes would have been built, including a large number of affordable properties.

In an official statement this week the council said it was "disappointed" the purchase had fallen through.

A spokesman said: "Councillors were presented with a report – confidential due to commercially sensitive information – at full council on Wednesday.

"It was agreed that the council would re-market the land – just under six acres – for potential development, either residential and/or employment, such as retail or leisure."

The site will be marketed by Bruton Knowles and planning permission will be needed befiore any future development can go ahead.