Early interest in Laxton Estate involves Nottingham Trent University

The Advertiser understands there are three suitors with an early interest in acquiring the Laxton Estate, and all three involve utilising Nottingham Trent University in some way.

The first idea is that Nottingham Trent would purchase the estate to compliment Brackenhurst ­— its ­200 hectare Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences college ­— which is ten miles away in Southwell.

The second could see Nottinghamshire County Council purchase the estate and lease it to Nottingham Trent.

The third could be a local bid led by the influential Sir John Starkey, who is chairman of the trustees of the Laxton Visitor Centre, which champions Laxton's roots, and could also involve the university as a partner organisation.

Discussions in all respects are in their infancy, but are taking place.

The figure the Crown Estate attaches to the sale could be a factor affecting whether any of the expressions of interest become formal bids.

In each case the attractiveness of owning the Laxton Estate is understood to be the safeguarding of the agricultural practices and maximising the village's potential for tourism and educational or research purposes.

A Nottingham Trent University spokesman said: “The university is aware of the proposed sale of the Laxton Estate and is supportive of the commitment of local stakeholders to preserve the last remaining medieval farming system of its kind.

“We are in the early stages of discussions with these stakeholders who are keen to find a viable future for the Laxton Estate to ascertain what contribution we might make.”

The proposal from Sir John, who has the support of the parish council and an offer of assistance from the Sherwood Forest Trust, would see the village itself take control, but needs funding.

Sir John, from Southwell, said sustainable agriculture would underpin British agricultural policy post-Brexit, and Laxton, with its history, offered huge potential.

"The tricky issue will be finding the money or negotiating a sensible price with the Crown Estate. Either they let the asset strippers in, or the honour the undertaking given at the despatch box, and I'm sure the latter will be their intent.

"The purchase price must reflect the considerable investment the future owner will have to make for a sustainable future.

"There is a heck of a lot of work to do, which begins now.

"For me, the only solution is for a locally-led consortium ­— the neighbourhood with its local knowledge and understanding ­— to help the Crown Estate out of its embarrassment, which will be palpable if this were to all collapse on their watch."

The county council told the Advertiser it was unable to comment at this time.