Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on the operational and strategic property matters related to the Barham Park Estate.

Having noted the submission of separate representations by a local ward councillor and a Trustee of both Friends of Barham Library and Friends of Barham Park the Trust Committee RESOLVED to:

(1)    Note the operational and strategic updates within the report accompanying the agenda.

(2)    Approve formal consultation on the 2031 redevelopment vision, with a view to seeking the Charity Commission's approval to broaden the permitted use of the Trust's buildings to enhance the Trust's long-term financial sustainability.

(3)    Approve an application for planning permission or a certificate of lawfulness, as appropriate, for annual events in the Park.

(4)    Approve the variation or discharge of the restrictive covenants at 776 and 778 Harrow Road in relation to the development approved under planning permission 26/0196, subject to:

(a)    obtaining up-to-date advice from an independent designated adviser, agreement of appropriate financial and other terms in the best interests of the Trust, and compliance with any Charity Commission and other statutory requirements that may apply; and

(b)    the independent designated adviser report being presented to the Committee for final consideration and approval before submission to the Charity Commission.

(5)    Delegate authority to the Interim Director of Property and Assets, in consultation with the Chair of the Barham Park Trust Committee and the Council’s legal advisers, to agree the final terms of any variation or discharge and to take all necessary steps to implement the decision, provided that the terms are consistent with the independent advice obtained and are considered to be in the best interests of the Trust.

(6)    Approve the use of the unspent balance of the restricted funds allocated to the Phase 1 works to replace the remaining dilapidated windows across the Estate that were not included in Phase 1.

(7)    Request that the next review on the future governance arrangements for the Barham Park Trust include exploring the option of transferring the Park estate to Council ownership.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Tuesday 15 September 2026