The confidential report for the potential sale of the Vintage Motor Club land was one of three separate reports regarding the proposed development at Monday's council meeting.

Resident Chris Roche criticised council's transparency during the public forum discussion, asking if the development was a "done deal" given the reclassification and sale of land was decided on the same night.

General Manager Peter Thompson said the matter contained confidential information, including a valuation report and proposed terms of their offer, which should not be made public at this time.

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"The reason for that is it will be a sale by public auction, so we don't want to tell people our price or range," he said.

At a later date, the city's councillors will receive a further report to consider and confirm sale arrangements.