Comer Homes and Chiltern Open Air Museum agree land transfer

The Comer Homes Group and Chiltern Open Air Museum in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, have agreed terms for transfer of the freehold land deeds to the 45-acre site that has been occupied by the museum since the 1980s.

The land will be transferred to the museum for £1, as part of the S106 agreement with Buckinghamshire Council for the redevelopment of Newland Park into a spectacular mixed-use development set on 200 acres of private grounds.

A spokesperson from Comer Homes, said: “We are delighted to have completed the land transfer to the Chiltern Open Air Museum for the sum of £1. We understand this has been an important event for the local community and we appreciate the patience afforded by all sides during the transfer process. The museum is a crucial community asset and one that we value highly and wish to support as part of our delivery of Newland Park. Our residents will value having such a fantastic educational resource on their doorstep.”

A spokesperson from Chiltern Open Air Museum, said: “We are very pleased that we have now agreed terms for the freehold transfer with Comer Homes and expect this to be completed very soon.  This means the museum will be able to continue its charitable mission of rescuing and reconstructing historic buildings here on our site while also providing educational and entertaining events throughout our season. In addition, visitors will continue to enjoy our lovely gardens, parkland and woodland that are so beneficial for wellbeing.”

The Chiltern Open Air Museum opened to the public in 1981 and now has a collection of over 30 historic buildings rebuilt mainly by volunteers. Buildings of special interest include a cottage made from a sustainable earth material only found in the Haddenham area, a 1940s post-war prefab home from Amersham, a small tin chapel from Henton and a Victorian tollhouse from High Wycombe.

The first phase of 74 prime new-build houses and apartments have recently been launched at Newland Park, with the homes occupying a prominent position on the site, which is centred around a grand Grade II listed Georgian era mansion house.