The Barham Park Trust Committee has requested that a future review of its governance arrangements include an exploration of transferring the park estate to Council ownership. This significant consideration, detailed in decision (7) of the Barham Park Operational and Strategic Update Report, was part of a broader discussion on the park's operational and strategic future during a meeting held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
The committee also agreed to explore the variation or discharge of restrictive covenants at 776 and 778 Harrow Road. These covenants relate to a development approved under planning permission 26/0196, which grants permission for the erection of an additional floor with projecting gables, alterations to fenestration, two-storey side extensions, two-storey rear extension, installation of cladding to all elevations, 2x rooflights & solar panels on the roof, associated hard & soft landscaping, new boundary treatment, refuse storage to dwellinghouses at No. 776 & No. 778 Harrow Road
. The variation or discharge of these covenants is subject to obtaining independent advice and agreeing on appropriate financial terms, with the Trust also liaising with the Charity Commission.
The report highlighted that the Trust's reserves will be significantly depleted after the completion of Phase 1 building works. These works, which addressed priority external fabric and maintenance issues including window and door replacements, roof and rainwater goods repairs, masonry and render repairs, external decoration, drainage works, and selected courtyard improvements, were substantially completed within budget. The approved Phase 1 budget was £352,221, with a total cost of £298,011.08 including VAT, resulting in a slight underspend.
To ensure long-term financial stability, the Trust intends to advance redevelopment plans to diversify income. This will involve seeking Charity Commission approval to broaden the permitted uses of the Trust's buildings to include limited commercial use. Formal consultation on the 2031 redevelopment vision is scheduled to begin in mid-2027.
Service charges are scheduled to be billed from September 2026, following the completion of Phase 1 works. The total service charge for 2026/27 has been estimated at £10,206 and will be apportioned on the basis of the leases, commencing in Quarter 2 on a pro-rata basis, aligning with visible investment in the estate.
More information can be found in the Public reports pack Tuesday 08-Sep-2026 10.00 Barham Park Trust Committee and the Decisions Tuesday 08-Sep-2026 10.00 Barham Park Trust Committee.