Opposition Grows to Commercial Use of Burchatt’s Barn

Published on: 28 Feb, 2019
Updated on: 2 Mar, 2019

Burchatt’s Barn – Photo Mandy Millyard

A campaign of public opposition to Guildford Borough Council’s decision to let Burchatt’s Barn to a chiropractic business is growing. Seventy objections have now been submitted against a change-of-use planning application.

But there have also been 34 comments in support of the Guildford Chiropractic Company’s (GCC) application, many from customers.

In March 2017, the council “market-tested” future use of the Barn, after a decline in lettings for community events caused, some claimed, by rises in the hire fees.

At that time, a GBC press release stated: “Essential to the process will be ensuring the future of Burchatt’s Barn, and how it will continue to complement our largest and most popular green space, Stoke Park which attracts more than 750,000 visitors a year. This is part of the council’s long-term planning for the borough.”

The council answered reports that a covenant prevents the use of Stoke Park for commercial purposes, saying: “The lease terms, and Land Registry records, have been examined and no covenant of this nature exists.

“There is a procedural obligation under the Public Health Act 1875 requiring that, where a proposal exists to sell or lease land which comprises open-space land, notice is placed advising of the proposal and inviting comments. Those comments must be taken into account in any decision on that proposal. This has been complied with.

“The chiropractors have submitted a planning application and listed-building application for the change of use of the building (Burchatt’s Farm Barn) and listed-building consent for internal alterations.”

Guildford Shakespeare Company (GSC) has found itself in an invidious position between its supporters and the council.

Clearly keen on the Barn as a new home, they are part-subsidised by GBC and will not want to fall out. But their vociferous supporters remain angry that the council has not decided in favour of the theatrical company, a recent success story in Guildford’s cultural scene.

A GSC spokesperson said the company “did not wish to comment at this time”.

Cllr Tony Rooth

On Tuesday (February 26, 2019), at GBC’s full council meeting, the future of Burchatt’s Barn was raised in a formal question by Cllr Tony Rooth (Ind, Pilgrims).

Cllr Nigel Manning, lead councillor for asset management, seemed a little rattled as he responded. He complained about those objecting to the chiropractor planning applications but refused to go into detail on the different bids which, he said, needed to remain confidential.

He told the meeting: “The fact is that Burchatt’s Barn has not been able to be occupied or used since early 2017; it is a burden on the council… All this furore at the moment seems to be about Guildford Shakespeare and why the building wasn’t let to them… it is not just a question of £4,000 [the annual difference between bids]. One question asked of the bidders was, ‘Would they sign up to a full repairing lease?’ Guildford Shakespeare would not.

Cllr Nigel Manning

“All the objections that are coming in regarding the planning application that has been made to change the use from D2 [premises for entertainment and leisure purposes] to D1 [‘public’ services, including medical or health services] would actually also preclude the Guildford Shakespeare Company from using Burchatt’s Barn.

“Guildford Shakespeare is supported and has been supported for many years by this council. They are in a building at the moment which is let at an under-rent [sic] to take specifically into account the community use that they provide and when I considered their bid I took this into account. But we are already in discussion with Guildford Shakespeare on another site, which I believe they are very happy with.”

After further questions, he added: “…it is wrong for Guildford Shakespeare to be used as a [political] football. We do all we can. There is a misconception that they’ve been badly treated… It is not just the £4,000, there are many other reasons for the final decision.

“I think it is wrong to continue with this avenue of questions because it is about a particular organisation and I am very limited to what I can actually say because of confidentiality. GSC has been offered alternative accommodation which they are happy with.”

Cllr Nikki Nelson-Smith

Cllr Nikki Nelson-Smith, GBC’s lead for skills, arts, and tourism, said later: “The requirement to obtain ‘best consideration’ for council assets is a complex one and governed by statute. Having undertaken market-testing, GBC are under an obligation to be fair to all parties.

“The council does do a great deal to support local community groups and I am delighted that the council is in talks with GSC regarding alternative premises.”

The Burchatt’s Barn planning application numbers are 19/P/00178 and 19/P/00179. Details of each application can be found online on the GBC website.

Council to ‘Market Test’ Future Use of Burchatts Farm Barn