Council forced to amend manor vow

2:14pm Monday 3rd March 2008

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THE battle by townspeople to keep one of their oldest buildings in public ownership has forced Bexley Council to reassess its plans.

Council leader Councillor Ian Clement has promised the council will now consider all options for the future of the Grade II-Listed Manor House in The Green, Sidcup.

The Georgian building, currently owned by Bexley Council and used as the borough's register office, has been extensively refurbished and become one of the most popular wedding venues in south east London.

But the council provoked an outcry when it announced, as part of the Bexley First project to build new civic accommodation in Bexleyheath and centralise the council's accommodation, it would be selling the Manor House, together with 10 other council owned buildings across the borough.

Last week, opponents of the sell-off presented a petition containing nearly 2,000 names.

Borough historian and author Dr John Mercer also led a deputation appealing to councillors to keep the house in council ownership and retain its use as a register office.

Dr Mercer described the Manor House as "the only original building of historical interest left in Sidcup".

He said people in Sidcup were very angry about the possible loss of the building to public use, urging the council to "put heritage before money".

Dr Mercer warned, as a listed building, English Heritage would safeguard the building's exterior and interior and may not allow a private owner to convert the building into apartments.

He added: "Without planning permission the property will lie empty and the council will have a second Danson Mansion to neglect."

The council claims around £1m of repairs and maintenance are currently needed, rising to £2m over the next five to 25 years.

Dr Mercer said Bexley could raise extra revenue by raising charges, opening the Manor House to Sunday weddings and and renting other space in the building for commercial use.

But cabinet member for corporate affairs Councillor Colin Campbell suggested the best use of council resources was front line services for the vulnerable.

Cllr Clement said the council will commission a study of all the options for the building and consult independent experts, including English Heritage, before drawing up a planning brief for the site, which residents will be consulted on.