Landmark building on nature reserve sold by council

A council has sold a landmark building on a national nature reserve, despite public protests.

Nearly 3,000 people responded to Hampshire County Council's plan to sell Haven House at Titchfield Haven.

The property, formerly used as a visitor centre and cafe, has been sold to a buyer who intends to lease it to a day nursery, the authority said.

The BBC understands the sale price, which has not been disclosed, has fallen short of the £1.5m that the council originally budgeted for.

Council cabinet member Kirsty North said: “The sale of Haven House will release much needed investment for Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve.

"Upgrades are planned to boardwalks, bridges and bird hides."

Previously, the authority said the reserve was "financially unsustainable", with mounting costs.

It said Haven House and an adjoining cottage required investment, while two bird hides had been closed due to their declining state.

The reserve's total costs, including annual subsidies, would reach £1.8m over three years, the council predicted.

It closed the visitor centre and cafe in December 2022, despite the "strength of feeling" of users.

A council report explained: "Provision of these facilities is not a statutory duty for the County Council, with the community of users not reaching the thresholds relating to the County Council’s social care responsibilities.

"It also needs to be considered within the context of the extremely challenging financial position for the County Council overall."

The authority rejected bids for the visitor centre from Titchfield Haven Community Hub and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

Titchfield Haven was acquired by Hampshire County Council in 1972 and was designated as a National Nature Reserve in 1995.

Haven House is a former private residence which was built in about 1820.

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