GLASSES were raised in celebration as a community marked a milestone moment having bought their village green for £45k, saving it from development.

The saga of Broadhurst Grove Village Green, in Lychpit began last year when residents discovered their beloved green space was being auctioned off.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council later acknowledged that an error meant the village green was never transferred from the developer to the authority, after it forgot to follow through with a section 52 agreement which would have protected the land.

This was despite the council cutting the grass and maintaining the land for more than four decades, since the estate was built 41 years ago.

The developer sold the land at auction last year for £16,000, and the community faced the threat of it being developed on.

They rallied together to buy the land but were reassured by the borough council that the Section 52 agreement could be enforced.

However, in March 2020 they were delivered a blow when the council informed them that it could not force the new owners to hand over the open space, again leaving it under threat of development.

Residents were left fuming at being forced to raise further funds to buy the land, at a cost of £45k, which was £29,000 more than what they could have bought it for at auction, had the council not reassured them that it would protect the green space.

The purchase was completed on Friday, and residents gathered today to celebrate saving their village green.

Basingstoke Gazette:

Sheena Grassi, who led the campaign, said she was “really upset and disappointed” when she discovered the section 52 agreement could not be upheld, explaining: “It has cost us a lot more money which is hard to bear. I had great faith in the council and what they were telling us.”

However, she said the fundraising efforts of residents had brought the community together, saying: “There has been tremendous community spirit.”

Fundraising events included a sponsored cycle and a Christmas in June event on the green.

Sheena, 63, added: “This pocket of green space is so important for the wellbeing and safety of children and adults. It’s been like this for 41 years and it was designed to be here in the planning of the estate. We are nestled among trees, it’s tranquil and unique with trees all around. More developments should be like this so people feel like they coexist with nature.”

The community is now working to secure a village green status to protect the land for future generations.

Viv Harman, 64, of Broadhurst Grove, was celebrating at the event on the village green today.

She has spotted deer on the green space and said: “It’s an extension of our gardens and a focal point for our community. We are not in each other’s pockets but it’s a nice focal point and is used by children and grandchildren.”

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has been asked for a comment.