On Friday, 20th July 2007 a meeting was held with Mark McFadden, Stiles Harold Williams, Land Valuer and Jeremy Howes, Cornfield Law, to commence negotiations with regard to an agreed price for the land. The site is on the market for 1.275 million but due to the heavy restrictions levied by Eastbourne Borough Council Planning Department for development on this site, it has been considered that the true valuation for our project to be established is more likely to be in the region of £220,000. Due to the considerable variance of these amounts, negotiations could be protracted. Once a reasonable sum is agreed, it will be Subject to the various caveats of Subject to Contract, Subject to Vacant Possession, Contamination Report and Planning Permission.

On the 24th July 2007 a formal offer was made to Strutt and Parker the Agents for £220,000, as per the valuation, but this was not accepted and we were asked to raise our offer substantially. Followed much deliberation by the Trustees and lengthy discussions with our professional advisors and during this time we were also advised that a third party had made an offer of £1.2 million with a two year option to purchase. What a dilemma! No way could we match this offer but on the other hand, where were we going to find another suitable site?
During further various discussions with The Trustees and our Advisors, it was considered that the value of the land, following Planning Consent would be worth more to us and how could you put a price on the dire need for housing for people with a learning disability? After full discussions with all the Trustees, it was agreed that we should make an offer of £700,000 Subject to Contract, Planning Consent, Vacant Possession and a Contamination Report.
This offer has now been accepted by the Governors of Sussex Downs College.
We have since been liaising closely with Derek Kemp, CPL Architects and he has initiated the Full Land Survey which has enabled him to draw up Draft Plans for Ocklynge Chalk Pit over the Christmas and New Year period. It will also be necessary for further surveys to be undertaken as indicated by Eastbourne Borough Council Planning Department.
To date the costs for the full planning application are as follows:
Full Land Survey £2,450.00+vat
CPL Architects £5,000.00+vat
CPL Architects Reimbursements £ 250.00+vat
Eastbourne Borough Council £3,449.00
Total £12,496.50 inclusive of vat

In addition we shall require:
A Badger survey £495.00
This will locate the badger movements on the site and ensure that we do not block their foraging trails.
Flora and Fauna survey Cost unknown
Arboriculturist survey Cost unknown
There are preservation orders on many of the trees on the site. These are of little interest but this was brought about by the neighbours to maintain their privacy.
Contamination survey Cost unknown
This is necessary due to the past usage of the site as a Civil Defence Centre and it’s latter use as a Garden Maintenance Depot, where tanks of diesel have been located and spillage may have occurred.

Although the main body of the Business Plan has been completed for some time, due to our unwillingness for further expenditure, the Feasibility Study has not yet been completed. However, whilst undertaking the Planning Application all figures for building will be to hand and at that time we will also undertake the the budget forecasts for the Revenue Costs, so the Plan will be completed with a realistic financial analysis. This document will be essential for applying to Grant Making Trusts and the Lottery for further funding to help the project as a whole.
It is essential for the security and longevity of the JPK Project to establish sound financial management for the future and liaison still continues with Rehab, a well recognised national charity experienced in the field of caring for those with disabilities. Regular meetings continue with their South East Area Director, who is enthusiastic and extremely helpful with advice.A more substantial alliance will be negotiated once we have secured the land and planning consent.