The Barham Park Trust Committee met on Tuesday 8 September 2026, approving the Trust's annual report and accounts for 2025/26 and a strategic update report. Key decisions included approving formal consultation on a 2031 redevelopment vision for the park's buildings, authorising applications for annual events, and agreeing to explore the variation or discharge of restrictive covenants at 776 and 778 Harrow Road.

Barham Park Trust Annual Report and Accounts 2025/26

The committee approved the Barham Park Trust's Annual Report and Accounts for the financial year 2025/26. A minor amendment was made to a comparator figure within the Trust Accounts 2025-26. The committee also noted the Independent Examiner's Review of the accounts and authorised officers to update the Charity Commission with the approved annual report and accounts. The report indicated that the Trust's total income for the year was £141,766, derived from activities such as funfairs and rental charges, while expenditure totalled £96,910, including building maintenance and insurance premiums. The Trust's cash balances at the end of March 2026 stood at £757,063.

Barham Park Operational and Strategic Update

The committee received an update on the operational and strategic matters concerning the Barham Park Estate. A significant decision was made to approve formal consultation on a 2031 redevelopment vision for the Trust's buildings. This consultation aims to seek the Charity Commission's approval to broaden the permitted use of these buildings, with the goal of enhancing the Trust's long-term financial sustainability.

The committee also approved an application for planning permission or a certificate of lawfulness for annual events to be held in the park. Furthermore, the variation or discharge of restrictive covenants at 776 and 778 Harrow Road, related to a development approved under planning permission 26/0196, was approved. This approval is subject to obtaining up-to-date advice from an independent designated adviser, agreeing on appropriate financial and other terms in the best interests of the Trust, and complying with any Charity Commission and other statutory requirements. Authority was delegated to the Interim Director of Property and Assets, in consultation with the Chair and the Council's legal advisers, to finalise these terms.

Additionally, the committee approved the use of the unspent balance of restricted funds allocated to Phase 1 works to replace remaining dilapidated windows across the Estate that were not included in the initial phase. Finally, the committee requested that the next review of the Barham Park Trust's future governance arrangements include an exploration of transferring the park estate to Council ownership.

The report highlighted ongoing work to address building condition issues, with Phase 1 of pre-planned maintenance works substantially completed. These works focused on external fabric and maintenance, including window and door replacements, roof repairs, and masonry work, and were delivered within budget. A potential Phase 2 works programme is being developed to address further building priorities.

In the park itself, essential tree maintenance works were completed, funded from unrestricted funds. Drainage on the event field remains a concern, with ongoing works and investigations into alternative remedies. The planning position for the funfair, which may exceed the 28-day threshold for temporary uses under Permitted Development Rights, is being reviewed in consultation with the Planning Service. The park also received a Silver Gilt award in the London in Bloom 2025 awards for its Walled Garden.

The report also detailed the Trust's financial position, noting that unrestricted funds stood at £378,808 and restricted funds at £378,254 as of March 2026. It was highlighted that the Trust's reserves will be significantly depleted after the completion of Phase 1 building works, underscoring the need to advance redevelopment plans to diversify income and ensure long-term financial stability. Service charges, previously not applied, are scheduled to be billed from September 2026, following the completion of Phase 1 works, to align with visible investment in the estate.

Regarding the restrictive covenants at 776 and 778 Harrow Road, an application to the Charity Commission for modification was submitted, but the owner has since withdrawn their original redevelopment proposal. A new planning permission has been approved for alterations and extensions, and the Trust's permission is required. The Trust will seek independent advice on the value and liaise with the Charity Commission.

The strategic development of the park includes ongoing work on a long-term plan, with Phase 1 of tenant engagement completed. Tenants consistently described the estate as a valuable community asset but raised concerns about building condition, maintenance, and energy efficiency. Formal consultation on the 2031 redevelopment proposals is scheduled to begin in mid-2027, with the aim of seeking Charity Commission approval to broaden the permitted uses of the buildings to include limited commercial use.