A PIECE of land in Lychpit has been sold at auction again, despite a council order that says it should be handed over to the authority.

As previously reported, residents in Broadhurst Grove and Saxon Way have been campaigning to save their 'village green' after it was put up for auction by the developers of the estate.

It was due to be handed over to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council 40 years ago when the estate was finished, but never was.

During lockdown, residents were given a shock when at least 73 cars passed through to view the piece of land.

And despite BDBC issuing a section 52 agreement, which would see the owner of the land hand it over to them for just £1, The Gazette has been told that it was auctioned off again last month.

After bumping into the purchasers shortly after the auction on September 9, resident Sheena Grassi reminded them that they would have to hand the land over.

"They were a little bit shocked and seemed to think they could get around it," she told The Gazette. "Whether they can, I don't know.

"I saw them out there sizing up the land. I made them aware that we would continue to campaign for both areas.

"We continue. We continue forward with anything that we can do."

Cllr John Izett, cabinet member for regeneration and property, told The Gazette that the authority was "taking legal advice" on how it can enforce the section 52 agreement.

"The council took steps to ensure that all prospective purchasers were aware of the section 52 agreement on the land at Broadhurst Grove and that the description of the lot was amended to refer to this.

"Despite this, the land was sold again at auction on 9 September.

"The identity of the purchaser is currently unknown but once the transfer of the land is registered with the Land Registry the council will contact the purchaser to request that the land is transferred to the council."