THE council is exploring the option of buying a newly developed block of flats, however one prospective buyer was left “devastated”, claiming they were “gazumped” by the local authority.

BCP Council confirmed it was “considering” options to buy the block of six flats at 134b Poole High Street.

One resident however, who asked not to be named, said she had an offer accepted on her “forever home” only to be told the developer was selling the block to the council.

The resident said: “We viewed the flat with every intention to buy, if we proceed, we have got the cash.

“We met the agent outside, I said ‘you are not going to waste our time by going into a bidding war’.

“He said that’s no problem, if we made an offer for the full asking price he would take it off the market.

“We went in on that basis and we were over the moon, it was our forever home. Then it was pulled two weeks later right under our noses.”

The 66-year-old resident said her and her husband currently rent and wanted to own their own property with less maintenance.

“The agent rang us up and had the horrible job of ringing six people to tell them the developer said the flats were being sold to BCP Council.

“We were so excited about it. That was our home, if anything happens to my husband I can’t pay this rent.

“That was going to be our home, we had that flat, my little word – the bottom’s fallen out.”

A spokesperson for BCP Council said: “We have an adopted new build housing and acquisition strategy and as part of this programme we can confirm that BCP Council is considering options for purchasing a block of properties at 134 Poole Highstreet. 

“We are liaising with the agent who may well be in discussion with other potential buyers at the same time.”

A design and access statement from developers when plans were submitted in 2019 said: “It is our opinion that the proposals outlined in this application will help to preserve the overall fabric of this property, will enhance its appearance and will ensure that the building continues to perform a positive function within the High Street and to the surrounding area.

“The introduction of six new households within the High Street will bring economic benefits to both the immediate and wider area and will have a positive impact on local businesses.”