Councillors will consider adding former Upton Park Farm land to Upton Country Park, with plans for new paths, wildlife habitats and better local links around Holes Bay and Hamworthy. More land could be added to Upton Country Park to improve public access to nature. BCP councillors are due to consider proposals tomorrow which would bring former Upton Park Farm land into the wider country park estate, after the previous tenant surrendered the farm lease. If approved, large areas of former farmland would become public green space, with new paths, seating, signage and landscaping. The plans als
More land could be added to Upton Country Park to improve public access to nature.
BCP councillors are due to consider proposals tomorrow which would bring former Upton Park Farm land into the wider country park estate, after the previous tenant surrendered the farm lease.
If approved, large areas of former farmland would become public green space, with new paths, seating, signage and landscaping. The plans also include habitat improvements for wildlife including owls, bats and woodpeckers.
The council says the work would improve walking, wheeling and cycling links between nearby communities, Holes Bay and Hamworthy. Funding would come from developer contributions which are intended to reduce pressure on nearby heathland and sensitive habitats.
Councillor Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for parks, said the scheme would “open up more green space” and create “richer habitats for wildlife”. He said the proposals aim to balance visitor access, biodiversity and the park’s future.
Smaller parts of the site, including the farmhouse, cottages and immediate gardens, would be sold at public auction to help fund the tenancy acquisition and investment in the retained land.
Councillor Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, said the plans “do not represent a route to mass development”. Any future owner would need planning permission, and the heathland protection zone would remain in place.
