THE OWNERS of two sought-after pieces of land in Lychpit have been ordered to hand them over to the council.

Green spaces in Broadhurst Grove and Saxon Way, which were set aside as ‘village greens’ when the estate was first built, were recently sold by developers.

As previously reported, residents were given quite the shock during lockdown when around 75 different vehicles came by to view the land, with the view of building their own home there.

Resident Sheena Grassi told The Gazette that building on the land would “ruin the lives” of neighbours.

But the developer never transferred the land to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, who have written to the new owners, asking them to give them the land.

Additionally, the council have informed an auction house due to resell the Broadhurst Grove land next month.

BDBC’s cabinet member for regeneration and property, Cllr John Izett, said: “The land in question is subject to a planning agreement requiring the owner to transfer various areas to the council to be maintained under the Open Spaces Act as public open spaces.

“This agreement dates back many years, although the transfer has not been completed. We understand that the land has recently been sold and is now in the ownership of two separate parties, with the Saxon Way site having been resold to a second owner.

“The planning agreement envisages the use of the land as public open space.

“No request has been made to the council by any of the past or present owners to alter the terms of the planning agreement and any application to change the use to housing from open space would require planning permission. The council will consider the legal position following receipt of replies from the new owners of the land.”

Ms Grassi said that whilst she welcomed the decision, there was still work to be done.

"We have every expectation they will take action promptly before any unfortunate person buys the land and loses their money," she said.

"We just want this to be settled. We have been working on this for four months and we just want this to be settled and not have the constant worry."