Land adjoining the Old School Site, Coxhoe

After withdrawing from the previously proposed land swap arrangement, the developers have recently approached the Parish Council with a new proposal, requesting to purchase the Parish owned land outright if planning approval is granted for this land. The Parish Council considered this carefully, bearing in mind the consultation results, legal advice, valuation results, and the long-term interests of the community.

Terms Agreed in Principle
The Parish Council agreed to the sale of the land under strict conditions, including reimbursement of legal fees, a purchase price within the range approved by our Specialist Valuer, and a say on what the development will look like to meet the needs of the
community.

Councillors also requested a clawback clause ensuring that if the developer later varies or enhances the planning application in a way that increases profit, the Parish Council receives a fair share of the uplift, and restoration of St Mary’s Church wall as part of the agreement.

The developers have agreed to these conditions in principle, and discussions now continue.

Why the Parish Council Considered the Sale

Throughout the consultation process, residents expressed strong views about parking pressures, infrastructure needs, and the importance of securing long term community benefit from any development. The Parish Council has remained committed to these priorities.

A key factor in the decision is the land locked nature of the Parish owned land and access to the land is controlled by the developer’s adjoining site, should the proposed development be approved. If the developer proceeds with their own housing scheme, something they are entitled to do regardless of Parish Council involvement, the Parish owned land would be less accessible.

This means the land would only be of agricultural value and The Parish Council would be unable to create parking,
and its uses would be much more limited for the community.

By agreeing to a sale now, the Parish Council can secure financial value from an asset that could otherwise be much
less valuable.

How the Capital Will Support the Community

The capital, along with the protection offered by the clawback clause, provides the Parish Council with a rare
opportunity to reinvest in the Parish.

This windfall capital could be used to:
· Pursue alternative parking solutions, which remain one of the most frequently raised concerns by residents,
businesses, and visitors
· Support wider community projects, including improvements to public spaces, facilities, and local infrastructure
· Avoid additional tax burdens, as the funds could allow the Parish Council to explore improvements without
increasing the precept
While the Parish Council is disappointed that the original land swap proposal (which included a developer funded
public car park) could not be delivered, this sale would ensure that the community still receives meaningful benefit.

Next Steps
The Parish Council will continue discussions with the developer to agree an option agreement, under the terms
detailed above. Any final agreement will be subject to legal review and formal approval at a Parish Council meeting.
Further updates will be shared as the situation progresses.

Coxhoe Parish Council would like to extend sincere thanks to the tenants of the paddocks for their cooperation
throughout this period of difficult decision making. Your understanding and patience as we worked through the future
of the land have been greatly appreciated.

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