As Mike Hancock, leader of the County Council said, ‘I don’t think Stoneham has gone away for good’. Hampshire County Council’s Education Committee has now declared the land surplus to requirements. Southampton is to have a unitary authority and the land within the city boundary, about half of the total, will return into ownership of the City Council. Moreover, the City Council has reaffirmed its intention of making a compulsory purchase order after it has exhausted other avenues. In response to these developments, the County Council’s Land Sub-Committee resolved that discussions should be held with the football club and Southampton City Council. Eastleigh Council will participate but from a position of opposition. The big question is: will a meeting of the full County Council be persuaded to change its mind?
The Stoneham Association is watching the situation and will be calling a public meeting.