Fury at cathedral bosses for selling site of First World War memorial

Fury at cathedral bosses for selling treasured site of First World War memorial in Surrey to developers planning on building 124 homes

• The Cathedral Church of the Holy Spirit in Guildford sold the land to fund repairs
• Land was donated by former Canadian PM with promise it would honour soldiers 

A cash-strapped cathedral has been slammed for selling the site of a treasured World War One memorial to developers as it is revealed they hope to build 124 homes on the land. 

The Cathedral Church of the Holy Spirit in Guildford, Surrey, was constructed in 1937 on a six-acre plot donated by British peer Richard Onslow.

In 1947, a substantial plot of undeveloped woodland was donated to the Church by Viscount Richard Bedford Bennett – who served as the 11th Prime minister of Canada between 1930 and 1935.

Bennett donated the land on the condition that it be used as a place of remembrance of the sacrifices made by the Canadian military during the First World War – including the 66,000 soldiers who died.

But now Guildford Cathedral has sold the land developers Vivid in a bid to raise money for repairs and ‘safeguard’ the building’s future.

The Cathedral Church of the Holy Spirit in Guildford, Surrey, was constructed in 1937 on a six-acre plot

Plans submitted to Guildford Borough Council reveal the developers intend to demolish existing dwellings on the site and build 124 residential units, including affordable housing

Plans submitted to Guildford Borough Council reveal the developers intend to demolish existing dwellings on the site and build 124 residential units, including affordable housing.

The proposal has been criticised by non-profit organisation The Vimy Foundation, which curates and shares historical resources on Canada’s participation in the First World War.

An objection submitted to the council by the organisation 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 on the initiative of R.B. 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 shook the first half of the 20th century.

‘Dramatic circumstances in which R.B. Bennett distinguished himself; he was honoured as a 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 understanding the needs of the Guildford community, The Vimy Foundation wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the preservation of memorial sites honouring Canada’s fallen military personnel.

‘The past informs the future, and it is necessary to protect these places that allow us not to forget: 650,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders fought in Europe during the First World War, 66,000 of whom lost their lives and over 172,000 of whom were wounded. 

A view of Guildford Cathedral, which sits proudly on a hill above the Surrey town but may now be subject to a 124 homes

‘45,000 Canadians lost their lives and 55,000 were wounded during the Second World War, with over a million Canadians serving in Canada, Europe and the Asian Theatre.

‘In recognition of the bravery and sacrifice of these men and women, their memory must continue to be honoured.’

There are currently seven houses on the site, which are used by cathedral staff. The plot is 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 dwellings on the plot.

The developers reengaged with the council – proposing new plans to demolish the existing staff buildings to create 124 homes, 44 of which would be affordable. Cathedral staff would have use of 13 of the dwellings.

Guildford Cathedral claim that selling the land was necessary to fund repairs that need to be carried out on the Grade-II listed building.

The Church said the Cathedral doesn’t benefit from a large income or historic endowments due to being 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 given the full details of the gift of land, including all associated historical correspondence.

‘After a thorough assessment the commission approved schemes allowing the cathedral to sell the relevant land – allocated in Guildford’s Local Plan – for development. R Bennet will always be acknowledged as the generous donor who enabled land to be purchased from the Earl of Onslow.

‘His contribution is commemorated in a ledger stone on the south elevation of the Cathedral and the protection of this is encapsulated in the Cathedral’s Grade II* listing and in the Care of Cathedrals Measure 2011.

‘The Grade II* listed Guildford Cathedral doesn’t benefit from a large income in the same way as many English cathedrals; because it is relatively new, it doesn’t have any historic endowments.

‘The sale of land to Vivid for new homes will safeguard the long-term future of the building. The income 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 community links and believes very strongly that it should play a part in contributing to new homes in Guildford.’

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