When the Blue Cross animal sanctuary closed in Northiam five years ago, residents feared that the site would be purchased by developers for large-scale housing, and a precious amenity lost to the local community. So they conducted a village referendum and, with general support, requested Northiam Parish Council (NPC) to acquire the property. Known as St Francis Fields, it comprises 34 acres with buildings, storage units and stables. Mandated by a second referendum, the council successfully acquired the site for £1.3 million in January 2020, with the help of a government loan repayable over 50 years.
It was calculated that annual repayments of interest and capital in the first year of £75,000 could be met by an increase in the council tax precept of £50,000 and the balance from income to be generated from letting the two bungalows and stables on the site.
When the site was purchased, the NPC did not apparently have the necessary legal standing known as the General Power of Competence to run St Francis Fields itself. It therefore arranged for a community interest company (CIC) to be set up by volunteers to manage St Francis Fields on behalf of the parish council and for the benefit of the village.
The CIC directors are all village residents, acting unpaid. Together with the aid of some 40 volunteers, essential maintenance works have been undertaken and the storage unit buildings prepared for renting out. The stables have been let out and are bringing in an income. Future projects have been researched but their realisation will depend upon obtaining further grant income.
One parish councillor, Mr Jon Streatfeild, however, has recently posted an open letter on social media sites addressed to Northiam residents. Although he originally gave his support to the purchase, he is concerned that a shortfall in revenue will place greater burdens upon the residents and also that development plans will not be pursued in the best interests of the community. Instead he promotes the idea of a DIY livery operation. This he says may bring in a surplus income above that obtainable by renewing the current lease, though his idea is not apparently supported by any financial facts or analysis.
It may be wondered why Councillor Streatfeild chooses the medium of his open letter, rather than putting his views to a council meeting. The CIC has made a point by point rebuttal and response to the inaccuracies they identify in the open letter.
In particular, the CIC has has reported twice to NPC, in October and again in December 2021 and has given residents a summary report in the latest Northiam Parish magazine. The full report is readily available and residents seeking a copy, being kept up to date or becoming involved with St Francis Fields CIC, are invited to contact by email: stfrancisfieldsnorthiam@gmail.com or phone 07519 979940.
Judith O’Connor, the CIC chairman has affirmed the intention that membership of the CIC will be open this year to residents of the village who have a particular skill to contribute or the enthusiasm to be involved in the project.
Meanwhile, the council has taken the step of calling a public meeting of residents for Thursday, February 3 at 7pm. The new chairman, Councillor Sue Schlesinger, has a fine record of community service and will seek to bring the various factions together to resolve any differences and improve communications. It is understood that Lord Ampthill, president of the East Sussex and Surrey Association of Local Councils, has agreed to be in attendance and assist the meeting as an adjudicator.
Image Credits: Nick Forman .