Fresh designs for Welborne are set to be unveiled

Buckland Development Limit is set to unveil its ‘overall vision’ for the project in an exhibition at Ferneham Hall in Osborn Road, Fareham.

The developers, part of Buckland Capital Partners, currently own just under half of the site to the north of Fareham, but have said they are to present their designs for the ‘whole site’ despite an apparent breakdown in communication between the other major landowners, The Benge Estate.

Due to a lack of progress on the development, Fareham Borough Council has been considering a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to buy the land after fearing the project could be delayed until late next year.

Mark Thistlethwayte, Chairman of Buckland Development Limited, said: ‘Our first planning application will be an outline planning application for the whole site.

‘This will establish the overall principle and general type of development.’

With regards to complications surrounding negotiations with the other landowners, Mr Thistlethwayte added: ‘We are in ongoing dialogue with the other majority landowners together with Fareham Borough Council and this will continue following the event.

‘We hope that the council will view this positively and consider reviewing its position regarding the proposed CPO.

Sean Woodward, the borough council’s executive leader, said: ‘They cannot bring forward these plans unless it’s a comprehensive plan for the whole site.

‘If their negotiations have led to them securing the site then this is brilliant news. But if not, then I do not really know what they are doing.’

He added the council will still be carrying out its plans for a CPO unless the developers could confirm they’ve secured an agreement with the other landowners for the site.

The exhibition will run from 1pm until 9pm in the Octagon Lounge.