BASING HOUSE - GRANGE FARM

1. The County Council is currently responsible for the Basing House ruins and the surrounding Civil War earthworks which are considered to be the best preserved in the country as well as the majority of Grange Farm, including the Great Barn and associated farm buildings which reflect the working life of this once great estate. In September 2002 the Executive Member for Policy and Resources gave approval to the disposal of Grange Farm house as a private single residential dwelling, the resulting capital receipt to be used to fund a scheme to enhance visitor facilities at Grange Farm and Basing House.

2. Accordingly, the Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage has recently approved proposals to carry out essential repair works to the existing buildings and structures at Grange Farm to the value of £190,000, plus fees of £30,000, giving a total value of £220,000 which is to be funded from the capital receipt secured from the sale of Grange Farmhouse totalling £468,000.

3. These proposals provide a package of repair works that will allow increased public access, awareness and interpretation of this historical site and will, subject to agreement, count as match funding to a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund to further develop the site. The Executive Member will consider further detailed proposals for the options for enhancing the visitor experience at Grange Farm in due course. He has also approved continued discussions with other potential funding partners, including Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, to establish whether other future contributions are available.

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