How we could acquire the garden

THE AGM, continued from the index page

  

The possibility of acquiring the garden was discussed. One idea was applying for grants; another that shares could be offered as had been very successfully done at Ford Hall Farm, Staffordshire. 

   In his report, Peter Harrington, Chairman, said that at the end of 2008 he had met with the Dowhills group to discuss purchasing the walled garden. Their asking price was around £600,000 which was felt to be too much especially as we had had a much lower valuation.

   In February 2009, Dowhills group had submitted a further planning application. A letter of support from Edward Timpson MP, a submission from local traders and letters from members of the society were also sent to the Development Control Committee of the former Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council.

   In March, the council accepted Dowhills' proposal and granted them planning permission. No councillor objected. The society was particularly disappointed that the agreement was made that the restoration of the walls need not begin until the last three houses of the development have been sold.

   Our legal counsel felt we had a good enough case to issue a legal challenge against the decision and an Extraordinary General Meeting was held in April to discuss the move. Members voted to go ahead if we could raise the necessary funds (estimated to be between £9,000 and 18,000). The challenge had to be withdrawn due to lack of funds.

   At the EGM it was suggested we ask the Secretary of State to intervene as they could overrule planning decisions on certain occasions. Edward Timpson MP did this on our behalf and Hazel Blears (the then relevant minister) declined to help, saying she felt that this was purely a local matter.

   Other disappointments reported at December’s AGM were:

  • English Heritage declined to become involved in our project. They had previously declined to list the garden as being of historic interest, saying there is no plan of the garden or traces of its layout on the ground.

  • Cheshire East Council – who took three months to reply to Edward Timpson’s request for help – gave a similar reply to those given previously, that they felt that development was the only viable way forward.

   The Council was negotiating with the developers to sign a 106 Agreement to ensure the walls are reinstated and a fund established for their maintenance once the development is completed. Currently, there has been no action on the site and the council is still discussing the 106 agreement with the developer. The Chairman said he felt the council had been negligent on health and safety grounds in view of the state of the walls.

   Legal advice is being sought on this point. [Nantwich Civic Society is also pressing for some progress on the walls.]

No subscriptions

THE Committee decided that while the Society is carrying on the fight to save the walled garden, no more subscriptions from members will be collected unless or until the Society look like being given the go-ahead to restore the walled garden.

   This was because of the uncertainties following the granting of planning approval to the developers, Dowhills, that will result in the destruction of the historic garden area.

   This will also apply to anyone wishing to join the society at this time.    Join Us

 

Officials' contributions

THE contribution of Peter Greene (Treasurer) and Pat Fulford (Founding Secretary) to the society - both of whom had been on the committee since the society began and who had both died during the last year – was noted by the Chairman.

Officers

    Peter Harrington is to continue as Chairman, and Faith Cartlidge was elected Treasurer. Nicola Booth has resigned as Secretary because of personal commitments, but remains on the committee.

 

l WE are looking for someone to be our Secretary. Could you be that person?

If so, please contact the Chairman. Thank you. 

 

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