Long lease offer for historic Heathfield House is a sale in all but name, say furious locals

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.

Heathfield House has long been a popular spot for dog walkers and was used for SEND education during the pandemic. More recently, it has been kept secure by on-site property guardians.

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.

Rebecca 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.

Instead, she said, the building was quietly leased to a private landlord without public consultation. “Decisions are still made behind closed doors by a select few,” she claimed.

Cllr Perry defended his record in response, stating that “Heathfield House is not for sale and never has been”. He blamed the confusion on a mistaken Savills listing, which he said was removed quickly once reported and for which he has apologised.

Fears were sparked earlier this year after residents spotted a Savills advert offering a 125-year lease on a “substantial” 12-bedroom property on Coombe Lane. The listing, now removed, mentioned redevelopment potential and a “wonderful location” with open views.

Cllr Perry called the house the “jewel in our crown” and told the chamber that a lease was the best option to “restore it to its former glory, and bring it back into proper use”.

However, Labour opposition leader Stuart King criticised Mr Perry’s approach to Croydon’s heritage assets. He said he had written to him six weeks ago asking for a list of protected assets the council would commit to keeping. “He never responded, which is no surprise,” he said.

Campaigners argue that the lease includes the surrounding land and even disabled parking bays, effectively cutting the public out. Ms Atherton said: “The council even claimed that leasehold sale was not a form of sale when in reality it will give exclusive possession to a private owner for over a century at minimum.”

Local councillor Robert Ward, who represents Selsdon and Addington Village, told the chamber that the house needs major investment, which the council simply cannot afford. “There is no back pocket where this money can come from,” he said.

Charles Barber, a resident who attended the meeting, summed up the community’s frustration in an online post: “By selling the building on a 125-year lease and insisting it’s not a sale, the Mayor is asking us to believe our great-great-grandchildren might one day get it back. That beggars belief.”

Cllr Perry added: “It is not about neglect, it is about doing the right thing. This is about protecting Heathfield, public access, and the financial future of our borough.”

Despite mounting pressure, Cllr Perry has yet to commit to a full public consultation on the future of Heathfield House.

Pictured top: Heathfield House (Picture: Croydon council)