Arundells - Change of Use 

Application for further extension of the Change of Use.                           
Reference Nos. S/2012/0021 and 0022  

The Salisbury Cathedral Close Preservation Society strongly objects to these applications for the following reasons: 

1. The requested change of use would entail greatly intensified commercialisation. This would bring increased pressure on traffic and parking in addition to noise and disruption. Statements by The Trustees and the Charity Commission's review bear this out. According to these sources activities are to be greatly extended to increase receipts from functions, entrance fees and other commercial activities.
   Any increased commercialisation would impact on other facilities that already find difficulty in trading profitably.

2. Extension to evening opening would be disruptive to residents, and cause parking problems, as this would be uncontrolled.

3. Arundells is an unsuitable size and layout for functions and increased visitor numbers.

4. The house has previously always been a family home, and should be returned to that use.

5. There is a clear danger that any further "temporary" extension could be used to claim "custom and practice" in future. It should therefore be rejected now!

The Trustees of The Sir Edward Heath Foundation in compliance with the wish expressed in his Will arranged four years ago to open the house to the public. In respect for Sir Edward we supported the planning application which was for a three year period, and subsequently the extra year needed by the Trustees to implement a scheme for what would follow.

However ,the Charity Commissioners wish commercial activities to be greatly extended. This decision flies in the face of logic considering the substantial loss incurred over the last four years. It places all Sir Edward's other wishes under his Will at risk for lack of funds.

 

We encourage you to use the web link below to register your objection:

Reference Numbers: S/2012/0021 and 0022

www.wiltshire.gov.uk/planninganddevelopment/2012/0021/submitapplicationcomment.htm