Sale of former district council site to developer for an undisclosed sum is believed to be ‘imminent’

The sale of the former East Dorset District Council site at Furzehill near Wimborne is said to be imminent.

Marketing of the 6.7 acre site began in January, five years after it became vacant following council reorganisation.

Before 2019, it had an offer price of £5 million.

It’s believed the site is set to be sold to a developer for an undisclosed sum.

It was allocated for residential development and other alternative uses in the 2014 Christchurch and East Dorset Local Plan.

Last year Dorset Council identified Furzehill as a priority to sell to generate capital receipts.

Capital receipts are money that councils can spend on funding other capital expenditure – such as land, buildings, and equipment – or for paying off debt.

They generally cannot be used to fund services.

The Furzehill site includes several buildings, including the main 19th century house known as Woodleaze, a former 19th century stable building converted into office space, and two semi-detached residential dwellings.

There is garage/storage space and several modular buildings previously used for office accommodation.

The east of the site contains Woodleaze Copse, an area of ancient woodland.

While it is not large enough to be considered on any Ancient Woodland Register, it is not suitable for development, as confirmed in the Local Plan Allocation.

Vehicle access is provided from the main Furzehill road via a long driveway to the east and there is ample parking onsite.

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