A parcel of Congleton land with “great historical value” saw a “multitude of bidders” when it went under the hammer last month.
Priesty Fields was up for auction with estate agents Butters John Bee at a guide price of £125,000.
The land development team at Butters John Bee told the “Chronicle” there had been a “multitude of bidders” and the hammer fell at £132,500 to a Congleton resident. The sale yet to be completed.
Prior to the auction, Congleton Town Council had explored the option of purchasing the land but it was unable to secure the funds before the auction date.
In an additional attempt, the council looked into registering the land as an asset of community value, a move that is still in progress.
As we reported previously, 10 residents attended a Congleton Town Council Planning Committee meeting last month in a bid to establish the land as a community asset.
One concerned resident said: “I along with the residents of Moody Street, Waggs Road and Howey Hill support the application for designation of Priesty Fields as an asset of community value.”
They suggested an ecological habitat survey would need to be completed on the land, which is a mandatory assessment required by Cheshire East Council for impacts on vegetation and protected species.
The resident said: “There are badgers, bats, and even a couple of owls living in the wooded area.
“Its historical links, elegant stone bridge, and woodland walks make this a prime environment for protected species and leisure activities, all within easy walking distance of the town centre.”
Part of the land for sale has the potential for housing development whereas the other has historical value.
At a Congleton Planning Committee meeting, Coun Suzy Firkin suggested that the council talked to the purchasers about splitting the land and buying the heritage section.
Coun Kay Wesley proposed that officers could continue to explore the possibilities of registering the land as an asset of community value and purchasing the non-housing part.
