The proposed sale of the farm buildings was discussed at a recent EGRA meeting. We write to encourage the Executive to refrain from attempting to sell off the house and cottages separately before the future of the farm as a whole has been consulted upon and agreed. We are concerned at the suggestion that the farm house and farm cottages may be sold now when they may have a much higher value or community benefit as an integral part of some future farming, equine or occupational land management set-up.
We do appreciate that the Council has to ensure that its assets are properly managed but we see merit in taking a holistic view of plans for the area so opportunities are not missed.
The Council is still at an early stage of preparing the SARP "Master Plan" and one does not want to shut out any options that may require accommodation as well as the land. As a result of the envisaged SARP consultation, other groups are likely to hear about the Council’s plans for the area and further opportunities may emerge.
Notwithstanding the Slyfield dimension, there are important issues to be considered regarding the best future use of publicly owned farms. For example, a farm for disabled horses would need a manager in residence. Given the flood risk and Green Belt status, a new dwelling could not be added subsequently.
We also want to inform the Council, as it no doubt already appreciates, that we see significant obstacles to selling the buildings (e.g. difficulties in getting insurance cover due to the flooding risk, the possibility of a road link, agricultural occupancy conditions) which militate against the early commitment of GBC funds to the project. Even if the homes were to be successfully sold and renovated, the new occupants are likely to be vehemently opposed to some impacts from the proposed SARP and objection represents costs.
We fully support the plan to let the farm land on a short term 2 year lease to allow all the options to be evaluated. We ask you to give serious thought to leasing or safeguarding the farmhouse and cottages for a similar period.
There are two people who wish to address the Executive on this matter, namely the Chair of the Burpham Community Association (Colin Matthews) and an EGRA member who is a veterinary surgeon (Keith Meldrum) and is associated with an animal charity. How do they reserve places please? | 
