Mayor denies leasing manor house will close it to public

HEATHFIELD HOUSE HAS BEEN OWNED BY CROYDON COUNCIL SINCE 1964

- By HARRISON GALLIVEN Local democracy reporter

CROYDON Mayor Jason Perry has insisted the controversial leasing of a much-loved local manor house will not see the grounds shut to the public, as critics accuse the council of effectively signing it over to a private owner.

While Cllr Perry says the historic Heathfield House is not for sale, opponents say a 125-year lease amounts to handing it over to a private owner for more than a century.

At a heated full council meeting last week, residents and opposition councillors accused Mayor Perry of rejecting a fully funded, community-led plan to save the Grade II-listed building. They also claim he ignored repeated calls for transparency and public consultation.

More than 2,400 people have signed a petition calling on the council to keep Heathfield House in public hands. Campaigners say their efforts to engage the Mayor have been met with silence.

Ms Atherton, co-director of local arts charity TURF, told the meeting that the house had been “left vacant and unsecured for years”, leading to damage from decay and squatting.

She said TURF submitted a plan in 2022 to turn it into a hub for creativity, learning and care, at no cost to the council.

The proposal also included a new home for the Cherry Orchard Garden Centre, which closed under Cllr Perry’s leadership. “If money is the issue...why turn down offers which are nil cost to the council and have heritage grant funding available?” Ms Atherton asked.