MANLY Council has purchased a beachside house at Little Manly for $4.225 million after long-running debate over the merit of the acquisition.

The council has confirmed settlement for 40 Stuart St, which will provide more access to Little Manly Reserve.

It will first create a walkway behind the property linking the park to Craig Ave, before public discussion on future plans.

One of the councillors who lobbied and voted for the acquisition, Hugh Burns, said the buy was a great achievement for the community.

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He hoped the house could be cleared for more parkland, but said the council will talk to residents first.

"We want to check with the community that they're happy for it to be a park," he said.

"But the impact of No.40 would be the immediate expansion of the park as soon as it's demolished.

"People could really start to enjoy the park more because it gets really crowded on Saturdays and the weekends."

The council may opt to lease the house until its future is decided.

The council also owns properties at 34 and 36 as part of a greater plan to expand the reserve.

Ratepayers and councillors have been divided over the affordability of the purchase.

SALE FACT BOX

VENDORS: John and Gillian Chapman.

PURCHASE HISTORY: $515,000 (1991).

BUYER: Manly Council.

Last listed price: high $4 millions.

SALE PRICE: $4.225 million.

Originally published as Council snaps up $4m beach house