Residents are to have their say about an empty stretch of land in Picket Piece next month. 

As previously reported, the land north of Ox Drove, part of the Locksbridge Park development, in Picket Piece, was initially reserved for a junior sports pitch, but this is no longer required, and the council is now proposing to purchase it to ensure it remains a community asset.

Wates Developments and David Wilson Homes Southern, which own the land, sought planning permission for 16 dwellings, which was approved by Test Valley Borough Council in July, although no building work has started yet.

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The proposal to buy the land was initially discussed during a full council meeting on Wednesday, November 22. 

Cllr Heather Neate gave the town council an update at an Andover Town Council meeting, held at the Guildhall on Wednesday, January 24.

Cllr Heather Neate said: "The first update is the government's website has been updated to allow applications against a community ownership fund till March 2025 as opposed to 2024 as advised. 

"Since last speaking about this at the full council meeting in November 2023, I have attended government training on how to apply to the fund.

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"In December, I invited all councillors to attend a site visit, where I was joined by Councillors Cockaday, Hardstaff, Farren and Reynolds who helped with advice on the potential use of the land, particularly around sports pitches and allotments, and these comments I have incorporated into a survey which is the next point of the agenda."

Cllr Neate added that town council officers had met with members of Test Valley Borough Council regarding match funding for the proposed purchase of the land through Section 106 funds, and to discuss the consultation survey to be carried out as part of the project process.

Councillors also met with MP Kit Malthouse who is also said to be very keen to support the town council in its application.

Cllr Heather Neate also compiled a land purchase survey to consult members of the public for their thoughts on the land. The survey will go out to the entirety of the Andover parish for consultation. Cllr Katherine Bird and Cllr Mark Farren proposed and seconded.

Several minor amendments were made to the questionnaire during debate, which will be changed and prepared by Cllr Neate and the Town Clerk. Costs for undertaken the survey were approved unanimously by the council.

The survey can be completed in a variety of ways, including online or via post, with the survey due to run over six weeks from the beginning of February.