Reference
P12/25/1/15
Title
Correspondence with the Charity Commission concerning two closes of land owned by the charity of 5a 3r (facing Flitton Road, Greenfield) and 3r (2 cottages on Brook Lane, opposite the church):
- Charity Commission do not think the proposal to rebuild the cottages to be used by the elderly church people on a non-profit basis is possible since the whole property must be regarded as being held upon trust for the purpose of repairing the church.… 'What are the trustee's proposals for using these two pieces of land, in the light of what I have already said in this letter?'
- Reply from R. Burman, vicar of Pulloxhill with Flitton [copy letter]… 'The trustees that is vicar & church wardens accept their responsibility to use this land for the best profit to repair the parish church. We know that to be the object from ancient times. At present the 5 acres 3 roods are let off as allotments at a total rent of perhaps £18 per year, this is to be bought up to £1 acre next rent day. This is in line with this area for agricultural land. But this land is on a road, built 4 miles away. Flitwick station is 1 ½ miles away with good diesel service to St.Pancras. This is in commuter range. With planning permission this land would fetch perhaps £2000 an acre. But planning permission would not be at present forthcoming and it would perhaps only fetch £250-£300 an acre'… 'The three rood close, is right in the village, an inn one side, the church straight across the Village Lane. The three cottages of 1810 have only been two in living memory. These are beyond any hope of modern standards and we have agreed to demolition. What can we trustees do, especially if you hold to the opinion expressed in your letter: 1. Clear way cottages and let for agricultural purposes (£4-£5 per annum; 2. We could sell as it stands (£500-£700); 3. Apply for outline planning permission (£1000-£1500); 4. We could if you agree do the non-profit making scheme for Church people and reckon that they by living there and giving their support, are fulfilling the terms of the charity; 5. Lease the land to a Housing Association that is non profit making, and have a ground rent for the church repair'.
- The two cottages have defeated the objects of the Charity since repairs have exceeded the rents extracted from them.
- Mains sewage will come soon thus driving up land value, they are already in Silsoe nest door.
Date free text
Feb 1963
Production date
From: 1963 To: 1963
Level of description
item