Brightwell's dereliction - part 2

Waverley hits back over Brightwell's record

Waverley Borough Council has defended itself against claims by Farnham Building Preservation Trust that it has failed in its duties as custodian of Brightwell House.

The council has asserted that, since 1998 when the Regrave theatre closed, it has ensured that Brightwell House is both water and weather proof. Security grilles have been fitted to the ground floor windows and upstairs windows have been boarded up. In addition, inspections of the interior are carried out at regular intervals.

"Instead of allowing the building to stand empty, Waverley has taken further steps to preserve it by allowing Winterwatch to make use of the facilities as a temporary hostel for the homeless. This has meant that the building has been heated and occupied during the coldest months of the year," said a statement from the council.

Steve Thwaites, director of planning and development, said he was "a little surprised" by the Farnham Building Preservation Trust's comments.

He said that less than a year ago the trust inspected the house and concluded that the walls and floors "appear basically still to be in a safe condition".

He added: "Waverley Borough Council and the developer, Crest Nicholson, know that Brightwell House is important to the people of Farnham.

"Both best practice and government policy recognise that the best way to protect listed buildings is to find a sustainable, economic use for them and this is precisely what the borough council is trying to do.

"Crest Nicholson has a good reputation for dealing sympathetically with listed buildings, with their previous projects including the refurbishment of the Debenhams store in Oxford City Centre and Green Hythe Abbey, Ingress Park in Kent - both notable listed buildings."

Mr Thwaites concluded by saying: "Waverley Borough Council spent a long time selecting a quality developer for this very important part of Farnham.

"Crest Nicholson and Sainsbury's are reputable companies and I want to reassure the people of Farnham that, if it is required, specialist help will be sought to ensure the future of Brightwell House is preserved and that we will achieve a development of which future generations will be proud."

The above article appeared in the Farnham Herald on 9 September 2005