Plans to rent Dunford House to tourists criticised

The Grade II listed building was owned by politician Richard Cobden, known for his campaigning for peace and the part he played in fighting the unpopular corn laws of the time.

The West Lavington house was gifted to the YMCA on the condition it was used for educational purposes but the charity caused controversy when it announced it would be selling the property.

Since then, the site has been subject to a number of planning applications in recent years, with parties looking at developing the site into a wellness centr and into one large house.

Historic Dunford House could become a wellness centre despite friction

The latest planning application (SDNP/21/00027/LIS) is for a change of use of the building to a single tourist let 'dwellinghouse'. If approved, the plan could see part of the building demolished, the building of a garage and pool house alongside landscaping.

The great-great-great grandson of Richard Cobden, Nick Cobden-Wright, has been fighting for the building to be used as a cultural heritage site for community use as intended by the original owner of the house.

Blow for campaign as Dunford House is put up for saleIn part of his objection to the plans, Mr Cobden-Wright said: "The proposed use would result in less than substantial harm to the cultural heritage of the site which is not outweighed by the public benefits.

"Some rooms in main part of the House which are of cultural significance are at risk of becoming lost forever - a games room (Cobden library), play room (Cobden original farmhouse rooms) and dressing room (Cobden master bedroom).

"The whole property is awarded Grade II listed by curtilage, the proposed new additions are too "twenty-first century" in design. We believe this proposal is not the best fit solution for Dunford House.

"The previous owner ran an educational and cultural conference centre for many decades and the Optimal Viable Usage for the future would be to safeguard this heritage asset and upgrade it as a similar establishment entrenched in Cobden's values.

"Alongside the Cobden Memorial Trust Dunford could continue to be shared and appreciated by a much wider set of people, in so doing creating jobs and volunteering activities in the community."

Uncertainty over Dunford House artefacts ‘saddening’The Midhurst Society, which has not yet responded to the application, took to social media to ask Midhurst residents for their views.

A spokesman for the Midhurst Society said: "In an ideal world we would like to see Dunford House restored as a Richard Cobden Heritage Centre, an attraction for locals and visitors, celebrating the life and work of this important Victorian social reformer. Unfortunately, that isn't on offer, although Nick Cobden Wright is still hopeful.

"Meanwhile, a planning application has been submitted for conversion into a single, modern residence, to be used as a tourism let. It involves the removal of most of the 20th century extensions which could be said to detract from the original construction.

"Should we object, because we want something different? (That doesn't amount to an objection on planning grounds.) Or do we support an application to restore an empty and neglected building?

"We need guidance from the people of Midhurst District."