Clay Lane Field Asset Disposal

Published on: 8 Nov, 2026
Updated on: 8 Nov, 2026

Junction of Jacob’s Well Road with Clay Lane

By James Moules

local democracy reporter

A small grazing field housing two “dilapidated” barns is set to be sold off by the council amid a drive to “strengthen” its finances. Guildford Borough Council’s cabinet has agreed to put its property at Clay Lane, comprising the field and barns, onto the market for sale.

Cllr Phil Bellamy

It comes as the council seeks to recalibrate its financial position, aiming to sell off certain assets as it works to reduce its debt. The council’s finance lead Phil Bellamy (Lib Dem, Ash Wharf) told cabinet: “The decision is not simply about selling a council asset.

“It is about looking at the overall position, including the income generated, the costs and responsibilities associated with retaining the property and the capital receipt that would be achieved.”

The field in question can be found off Clay Lane near the junction with Jacobs Well Road, and measures 1.3 acres in total. An officers’ report says: “The property is currently let for grazing purposes with the lease being renewed from September 2026 for a period of two years with a rolling break subject to six months’ notice.

“The tenant would be unaffected by the disposal in the short term, however the purchaser would be able to secure vacant possession either at the expiry of the lease in September 2028 or earlier by serving the break notice.”

Officers added in their report that money raised from the property’s sale would help towards reducing the council’s debt repayments and need for borrowing.

Cllr Vanessa King

Deputy council leader Vanessa King (Liberal Democrats: Stoke) said: “At a time when we need to reduce borrowing and strengthen the council’s financial position, it is right that we continue to review assets critically and dispose of those that no longer serve a strategic purpose.”

She added the disposal decision would not determine the use of the land in planning, and that any future development proposals would be subject to the usual processes. As well as agreeing to market the land for sale, cabinet members also resolved to recommend that the West Surrey shadow executive approve the transaction.

Surrey will soon be divided into two unitary authorities East and West Surrey.

Guildford Borough Council will be abolished along with Surrey County Council and the remaining district councils next spring. West Surrey shadow authority is currently tasked with setting up the new unitary council that will take their place in the west of the county – including Guildford – while the same process is also happening for East Surrey council.