Bishopswood Camp in Gallowstree Road, located near Sonning Common, has been placed for auction, prompting the local parish council to examine potential acquisition of the site.
The area served historically as an encampment for Polish forces and subsequently accommodated evacuated children from urban areas during the Second World War.
Remnants including brick buildings, chimneys and air raid shelters remain scattered throughout the surrounding woodland.
In recent years, the property has attracted considerable planning controversy.
Applications seeking permission for residential development, an HGV operating facility and pitches for Gypsy and Traveller communities have all been either rejected or challenged by South Oxfordshire District Council since 2016.
The concrete-surfaced compound at the camp, currently utilised for storing heavy goods vehicles overnight across roughly 0.675 acres, has now been listed for sale through Savills Auctions.
Sonning Common Parish Council confirmed it was conducting active investigations into possible means of acquiring the former camp for community, environmental and recreational purposes.
According to the council, the location held significance as a Polish encampment and formed part of the area’s heritage.
Members acknowledged the site’s importance to residents but indicated they would need to assess whether the purchase would represent value for money.
The council noted that the advertised price of £180,000 appeared excessive given that the current proprietor acquired the entire site for only £70,000 in 2019.
No definitive determinations have been reached, though the council suggested the transaction could present an uncommon chance to shape the future of a location that has generated substantial local interest for many years.
The auction is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, September 16.