Parish council buys plot of open space at auction to protect it from development in Milton Keynes town

The land in Bletchley was put up for auction last week by its private owner, who is based in Sussex.

More than 4,500 square metres in size, it was described as having "potential" for development, subject to planning permission.

The tree-strewn site is within a residential area of West Bletchley, off Whalley Drive at its junction with Cheneys Walk, and is used by local children and families for walks and games.

Last week West Bletchley Parish Council successfully bid for the land. The amount they paid has not been disclosed but the guide price was £25,000.

Local Labour councillors Nigel Long, Elaine Wales, Lauren Townsend and Mick Legg had persuaded West Bletchley Parish Council to bid for the space, along with another smaller patch of land nearby.

The second site is essentially a traffic island in the middle of Melrose Avenue housing area, near the junction of Spenlows Road, and measures just 347 square metres. It was nevertheless described as having "possible development potential" and the guide price was £10,000.

However, it sold for a whopping for £36,000 and the parish council was outbid. Residents now fear a developer will try to build houses or flats on it - but already the parish council says it is "looking at ways" to stop this from happening.

Meanwhile it has vowed to keep the Cheneys Walk site as open space for local people to enjoy.

Cllr Long said, “I am delighted that we have been able to secure this open space and protect it from the threat of development. This is a big win for West Bletchley residents, councillors and the Parish Council.”

Cllr Veronica Belcher, chair of the West Bletchley Parish Council, said: “I am pleased that we have been able to buy this lovely open space. It highlights again that the West Bletchley Parish Council is on the side of local residents.”

Cllr Elaine Wales grew up five minutes away from the Cheneys Walk open space and used to play there as a child.

She said: "Like other residents I always thought it was owned by Milton Keynes Council so I was surprised when it turned out to be privately owned. I am glad we have stopped the sale and can now protect it for local people. We also now need to do an audit of all local open space to protect other areas from developers.”