Urchfont sell-off completed

Urchfont Manor has been sold cheaply to a private developer. The community asset previously owned by Wiltshire taxpayers was virtually given away by the cash-strapped council's Conservative administration. In their announcement of the sale the Conservatives focus on the possible retention of the woodland and cricket ground for community use, which has appeased local opinion and deflected any possible adverse reaction from a compliant local press.

Here's the WC release:

'Community management and use of Oakfrith Wood and the cricket ground at Urchfont Manor has been secured following the exchange of contracts today to sell the building at the end of March 2013.

It is understood the new owners intend to apply for the necessary permissions to convert the main house back to a private home and have agreed to the requests made by Wiltshire Council to assist in securing the ongoing community use of Oakfrith Wood, the cricket ground and play area in the recreation field.

Leader of Wiltshire Council Jane Scott said: "I am very pleased that Urchfont Manor will have new owners who will be able to enjoy and take care of this beautiful building. We have listened to local people and ensured that this sale will mean the community will still be able to enjoy Oakfrith Wood, the cricket ground and play area in the recreation field."

Marketing the property was carefully structured in a way to ensure that the key outdoor community facilities were protected from the outset. Emma Cleugh, Partner at Knight Frank, who marketed the property for the council said, "Bids were invited for the house in a way that ensured the local community had the ongoing long-term security they needed to continue to use and enjoy their areas. This being a key requirement of Wiltshire Council in line with its cabinet decision."

A shortlist of bidders was made and these were invited to submit best and final offers. The offer accepted was for the whole of the property is in excess of the initial guide price of £2.7m.

The buyers said: "We are delighted to have exchanged contracts with the council to buy the manor today and very much look forward to meeting the neighbours and wider local community over the coming weeks and months. Throughout the bidding process, we have been kept fully informed of how Wiltshire Council has tried to protect the interests of the community and we completely support it in how it intends to move forward to do so. We look forward to challenging the local cricket team with our friends this summer." '

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History.

A meeting of the Wiltshire Council scrutiny committee on January 30th 2012 successfully challenged the decision of the Conservative 'cabinet' to close Urchfont Manor without adequate consultation.

Five opposition councillors outvoted four Conservatives to force the rethink, after a couple of other Tories failed to turn up for the meeting thus causing the party to lose its majority on the committee.

However the 'victory for common sense' lasted only a few hours as at an emergency meeting of the cabinet held later in the day to consider the call-in the cabinet formally ignored the scrutiny committee and proceeded with its original decision not to consult the community on the Urchfont closure.

Speaking at the scrutiny meeting Dave Mottram of Urchfont Parish Council welcomed the call-in and criticised the 'unseemly haste' of the cabinet. He suggested other options such as an educational trust should be considered, as could the possibility of selling off parts of the estate to fund the continued use of the Manor.

Another Urchfont resident stated that residents of the village felt hard done by as there had been no consultation whatsoever. However this was later contradicted by local councillor Lionel Grundy, who said that after a meeting attended by some 40 villagers most of them had been happy with his explanation of why the closure and sale was necessary. Cabinet member Stuart Wheeler stated that services would continue elsewhere, and only if any changes were proposed to these would there be a need for consultation.

Cllr Jonathan Seed pointed out that local people were more concerned about the future of Oakfrith Wood and the cricket ground than the Manor itself, and the cabinet had agreed to retain these if possible and with the consent of the buyer.

Supporters of the Manor have set up a petition at http://cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/ieLogon.aspx?RPID=4901426&HPID=4901426&Forms=1 Although an expression of public opinion is unlikely to influence the WC cabinet please encourage as many people as possible to sign it.

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Here's a WCLD press release:

Conservatives say 'No' to wider consultation on Urchfont Closure

On Monday a Wiltshire Council Committee challenged the Conservative Administration's decision to sell off Urchfont Manor and end the much valued Adult Education services provided on the premises. The Committee said that Conservative Cabinet failed to consult most of the people involved; including the Manor's Management Committee.

Jeff Osborn, Lib Dem Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, said "This is typical of the Conservatives; taking decisions that affect thousands of people, without even stopping to ask for the local knowledge that's needed.

"With the council finances in the terrible state they are, it's probably true that significant changes need to be made at Urchfont Manor. However, any changes that need to be made could be far less damaging if local interested parties were simply asked for their involvement and input.

"The Lib Dems are championing local involvement and proper consultation, so that even when times are tough, the council can make decisions with the help of those who know the situation best; the local people who use the council's services."

Jon Hubbard, Lib Dem Group Leader, said "What is telling here, is that the Conservative Cabinet couldn't even muster enough support amongst their own backbench members to support them in the Scrutiny meeting.

"Yet again, we are seeing the Administration forcing through decisions without telling people all of the facts. If they have a compelling case for closing this much loved and cherished community resource then why not be honest and tell us about it? Too many decisions are being made behind closed doors, and buried in confidential papers. This isn't a secret society, it's a public body. The Conservative Cabinet must remember that, as councillors, they are elected by the people, for the people, and should conduct Council business accordingly."