Uncertain future for Hampshire nature reserve centre
Haven House will be put up for sale
Last updated 2nd Aug 2023
Campaigners hoping to save a visitor centre and café at a Hampshire nature reserve say they won't give up their fight despite a setback.
The county council wants to sell off Haven House near Fareham and has rejected plans by a community group to take it over.
The Titchfield Haven Community Hub say they've got the backing of government and can't understand why councillors have a different view.
Councillor Russell Oppenheimer, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Countryside and Regulatory Services, said: "In December last year, the County Council paused the sale of Haven House for six months after it was designated an Asset of Community Value. This also meant that much needed investment for the National Nature Reserve was put on hold.
"In June, we received separate submissions from Titchfield Haven Community Hub and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust setting out alternative proposals to our own. Ahead of these bids, County Council officers and I have been in regular contact with representatives of these groups to provide support and any information requested about Haven House and the Nature Reserve.
“The understanding was that the two organisations were working together on a joint bid, however two separate and unrelated proposals came forward. After careful consideration and detailed assessment, regrettably, neither bid submitted was able to meet the criteria we set out from the outset. Nor did the proposals provide a costed plan for how each organisation could deliver investment in the National Nature Reserve.
“Whilst I appreciate there is strong local support for a community facility at Haven House, the upkeep of the Nature Reserve must be the top priority when the County Council faces significant financial challenges.
“Furthermore, there are nationally imposed statutory obligations we must meet regarding the management of the Reserve. As a result, I find I have no option but to agree the recommendations to reject the bids which will mean a sale of Haven House on the open market to raise vital funds that will be ringfenced as investment for the Reserve and its wildlife.
“I am keen to continue positive discussions with the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to consider ways that both organisations can work together on the County Council’s land management strategy for the lower Meon Valley area, including Titchfield. We have also offered meetings to Titchfield Haven Community Hub and the Trust to provide detailed feedback on their proposals.”
Read the Decision Day report and outcome here.