Croydon Council will lease Heathfield House for 125 years to save on upkeep, not sell it, protecting green space.
The council will still own the land and will protect the grounds around the house. People worried the council would sell the property.
An estate agent advertised a 125-year lease, and the ad described a large building with redevelopment potential. That advert has now been removed.
The council explains maintenance costs are too high, therefore, the new leaseholder must maintain the building. The council says this protects the property.
The grounds will stay open to the public. Heathfield House is a historic building, gifted to Croydon in 1964.
Residents fear losing access to the land. A petition protested the lease, and over a thousand people signed it quickly.
People are concerned about the house’s future. They feel the lease breaks the gift’s terms and worry about setting a bad example.
The council says the lease does not violate any rules. The petition claims the council is acting secretively and criticizes their lack of community focus.
Some think the council let the site fall into disrepair. Residents saw boarded windows and damage, but the council denies this is true.
Property guardians live there to prevent problems. These guardians have lived there since last year and are there to protect against squatters and damage.
The council has leased it before. Some think a 125-year lease is like selling it, therefore, the council needs to manage its assets better.
The council says the lease helps finances, and this will allow them to fund important services. Residents are upset the money will pay off debt.
One resident said the gift was for the people, not politicians. Another said history is more important than money. The council is still showing the property, and no leaseholder has been confirmed.