Residents bid to buy land near Wycombe Road to build smaller, greener homes for first-time buyers and downsizers.
The land, known as Tralee Farm, is currently owned by Hawridge Strategic Land Limited. They obtained permission to rebuild on it in 2024 but recently announced their intention to sell the site.
Councillor Gemmell expressed his happiness that villagers submitted their offer. He thanked the Tralee Farm Community Group and residents of Hazlemere and Holmer Green for their hard work on the bid.
The residents are seeking a quick purchase, requesting four weeks to secure funding. Hawridge’s original plan involved building 87 homes, with 55 featuring three or four bedrooms.
The residents envision smaller homes to attract first-time buyers and downsizers, potentially enabling young people to remain in the local area. They are also focused on developing green homes with reduced carbon emissions and increased green space.
Furthermore, they propose including a GP surgery to provide essential health services alongside a community-focused and environmentally responsible development. They want a better development that helps the community and the environment.
Hawridge has labeled the group a NIMBY (“not in my back yard”) group, asserting they lack funding and are hindering the delivery of needed housing. Hawridge also described it as a shameful obstruction.
To gain time, the residents have requested the council to list the site as an asset of community value (ACV). An ACV listing could potentially delay the sale by six months.
This delay would allow them to properly plan and secure funding for a future bid, ultimately enabling them to purchase the land on the open market.