The Future of Manor Fruit Farm - Community Consultation

About Manor Fruit Farm

Normandy Parish Council (NPC) currently leases Manor Fruit Farm (MFF) from Guildford Borough Council (GBC) on a 125-year lease, with approximately 99 years remaining.

Since taking on the lease in 2000, NPC and the other Manor Fruit Farm resident organisations have transformed the site from an empty field into the valued community space it is today.

The development and maintenance of the site has been funded by:

  • 50% by Normandy Parish Council through the parish precept, paid by Normandy residents.
  • 50% by the four other resident organisations, with the Shop & Café also contributing since 2023.

Although there are 99 years remaining on the lease, it includes a break clause that can be exercised after November 2030. This means that Guildford Borough Council (and, from April 2027, the new West Surrey Unitary Authority) could, subject to the terms of the lease, seek to recover some or all of the site for an alternative use. This could only happen if:

  • alternative planning permission had been obtained; and
  • community views had been taken into account.

Why are we consulting you?

Normandy Parish Council is considering whether to apply to acquire the freehold ownership of Manor Fruit Farm through an Asset Transfer from Guildford Borough Council.

Under GBC's current Asset Transfer Policy, NPC would need to submit a detailed business plan. The initial costs of making an application are estimated to be up to £5,000 for legal fees and an independent asset valuation.

At this stage, we do not know what the Council may ask NPC to pay for the freehold itself. NPC would seek to acquire the site for nil or a nominal sum, but there is no guarantee this would be agreed.

Before deciding whether to proceed, we would like to understand the views of Normandy residents.

Who should complete this consultation?

This consultation is intended only for people who live within the Parish of Normandy and contribute to the Normandy Parish Council precept through their Council Tax.

Manor Fruit Farm Consultation

Normandy Parish Council consultation on the future of Manor Fruit Farm.