Developer Offers to Sell Jesmond Wood Back to Highcliffe Community Jesmond Wood Developer Offers Land Back to Highcliffe Community

Christopher Bulstrode’s home application was denied. It involved Jesmond Wood in Highcliffe by BCP Council. He bought the land for £300,000 back in 2015. He also had a £300,000 overage payment to make.

Bulstrode now wants the community to buy Jesmond Wood. He wants them to build affordable homes there. People could rent, buy, or use it as they wish. Highcliffe residents want the land returned. This saga has been ongoing for almost ten years.

Andy Martin, a Highcliffe councillor spoke up. He said meaningful talks could provide a solution. Martin has discussed things with BCP Council officers. Highcliffe wants Jesmond Wood safe in public hands.

Bulstrode claims a council obligation exists. He says he must apply to justify the £300k overage cost. However, contract documents contradict that claim. Applications should have been submitted within two years.

If Bulstrode desires to sell to the community, he needs to approach BCP Council first. The contract says someone must apply for planning within 24 months. They must try to get permission for building. They also must pursue appeals quickly.

BCP Council designated the land as open space. This limits usage to recreation only. Building on it is prohibited. However, the government rejected this local plan. Jesmond Wood wasn’t the issue though.

A 40-home and care home plan failed in 2017. Twenty-three homes were rejected in 2020. Sixteen homes were turned down two years later in 2022. Nine homes faced rejection this year too.

Christopher Bulstrode’s home application was denied. It involved Jesmond Wood in Highcliffe by BCP Council. He bought the land for £300,000 back in 2015. He also had a £300,000 overage payment to make.

Bulstrode now wants the community to buy Jesmond Wood. He wants them to build affordable homes there. People could rent, buy, or use it as they wish. Highcliffe residents want the land returned. This saga has been ongoing for almost ten years.

Andy Martin, a Highcliffe councillor spoke up. He said meaningful talks could provide a solution. Martin has discussed things with BCP Council officers. Highcliffe wants Jesmond Wood safe in public hands.

Bulstrode claims a council obligation exists. He says he must apply to justify the £300k overage cost. However, contract documents contradict that claim. Applications should have been submitted within two years.

If Bulstrode desires to sell to the community, he needs to approach BCP Council first. The contract says someone must apply for planning within 24 months. They must try to get permission for building. They also must pursue appeals quickly.

BCP Council designated the land as open space. This limits usage to recreation only. Building on it is prohibited. However, the government rejected this local plan. Jesmond Wood wasn’t the issue though.

A 40-home and care home plan failed in 2017. Twenty-three homes were rejected in 2020. Sixteen homes were turned down two years later in 2022. Nine homes faced rejection this year too.