A cash-strapped cathedral has been criticized for selling the site of a treasured World War I memorial to developers as it has been revealed they hope to build 124 homes on the land.
The Cathedral Church of the Holy Spirit in Guildford, Surrey was built in 1937 on a six-acre site donated by British colleague Richard Onslow.
In 1947, a substantial tract of undeveloped woodland was donated to the church by Viscount Richard Bedford Bennett, who served as Canada’s 11th Prime Minister between 1930 and 1935.
Bennett donated the land on the condition that it be used as a place of remembrance for the sacrifices made by the Canadian Army during World War I – including the 66,000 soldiers killed in action.
But now Guildford Cathedral has sold land developers Vivid in an effort to raise money for repairs and ‘protect’ the building’s future.
The Cathedral Church of the Holy Spirit in Guildford, Surrey was built in 1937 on a six acre plot of land
Plans submitted to Guildford Borough Council show that the developers intend to demolish existing housing on the site and build 124 housing units, including affordable housing
Plans submitted to Guildford Borough Council show that the developers intend to demolish existing housing on the site and build 124 housing units, including affordable housing.
The proposal has been criticized by the non-profit organization The Vimy Foundation, which curates and shares historical resources about Canada’s participation in World War I.
A statement of objection filed by the organization with the council reads: ‘The Vimy Foundation has learned through the press of a planned development of 124 apartments by the developer Vivid on land owned by Guildford Cathedral.
‘This undeveloped wooded area was created at the initiative of RB Bennett, Prime Minister of Canada from 1930 to 1935, who lived near Guildford, to provide a place for reflection and remembrance of Canada’s contribution during the conflicts that shocked the first half of the 20th century. century.
‘Dramatic circumstances in which RB Bennett distinguished himself; he was honored as 1st Viscount Bennett of Mickleham in the County of Surrey and of Calgary and Hopewelln in the Dominion of Canada for his important contribution to the Second World War air campaign to protect Britain.
“While the Vimy Foundation understands the needs of the Guildford community, it wishes to reaffirm its commitment to preserving memorial sites honoring Canada’s fallen military personnel.
“The past informs the future, and it is necessary to protect these places that enable us to remember: 650,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders fought in Europe during World War I, of whom 66,000 lost their lives and more than 172,000 were injured.
A view of Guildford Cathedral, which sits proudly on a hill above the town of Surrey, but may now be subject to a 124 housing estate
45,000 Canadians lost their lives and 55,000 were injured during World War II, with more than a million Canadians serving in Canada, Europe and the Asian Theatre.
“In recognition of the courage and sacrifice of these men and women, their memory must be honored.”
At present there are seven residences on the site, which are used by cathedral staff. The plot has been designated as open space as part of the cathedral grounds, but was earmarked for 100 homes in the council’s local plan.
In 2017, Guildford Borough Council refused an application for 134 homes on the plot.
The developers got back in touch with the council and proposed new plans to demolish the existing staff buildings to create 124 homes, 44 of which would be affordable. The cathedral’s staff would be able to use 13 of the residences.
Guildford Cathedral claims the sale of the land was necessary to fund repairs to be made to the Grade II listed building.
The church said the cathedral does not benefit from large income or historic donations because it is a relatively new diocese.
Matt O’Grady, chief operating officer at Guildford Cathedral, said: ‘The Charity Commission, the regulatory body responsible for these matters, was provided with full details of the land donation, including all associated historical correspondence.
‘After a thorough review, the committee approved plans that would allow the cathedral to sell the relevant land – allocated in Guildford’s local plan – for development. R. Bennet will always be recognized as the generous donor who made it possible to purchase land from the Earl of Onslow.
‘His contribution is commemorated in a ledger stone on the south facade of the cathedral and the protection of this is encapsulated in the cathedral’s Grade II* listing and Care of Cathedrals measure 2011.
‘The listed Grade II listed Guildford Cathedral does not benefit from a large income in the same way as many English cathedrals; being relatively new, it has no historical endowments.
“The sale of land to Vivid for new housing will secure the long-term future of the building. The revenue generated will be used to create an annual endowment that will provide for the long-term repair, maintenance and improvement of the cathedral.
‘The cathedral is proud of its links to the community and believes it has a part to play in contributing to new homes in Guildford.’
