Wells assets transferred

A historic Somerset building and the green space surrounding it are being returned to local residents following councillors’ approval.

Mendip District Council is currently responsible for maintaining the grade one listed Bishop’s Barn in Wells, along with the neighbouring Wells Recreation Ground on Silver Street.

The council’s cabinet agreed on Monday evening (February 7) to transfer the trusteeship of both sites to Wells City Council, bringing both sites back under local control ahead of the new unitary authority taking control in April 2023.

The transfer also includes a trust fund in excess of £500,000 which can be used to improve the barn.

The Bishop’s Barn dates back to the 15th century and is one of only 200 ‘great barns’ remaining the UK.

In addition to being grade one listed, the building has been designated a scheduled ancient monument of national significance.

Under the changes approved by the cabinet in Shepton Mallet on Monday evening (February 7), the city council will become the new ‘caretakers’ of both the barn and the recreation ground, which includes the city’s bandstand and bowling green.

The move is subject to final authorisation by the Charity Commission, but is expected to be successfully implemented before the district council is replaced by the new unitary Somerset Council on April 1, 2023.

Councillor Barry O’Leary, portfolio holder for enterprise and finance, said: “We want to give assets back to local communities to use, to cherish, and to act as part of their rich tapestry of culture.

“There will be a new governance with this asset to enable it to be renewed and revitalised, and the monies provided will enable that to happen.”

The site was gifted to the citizens of Wells for community activity in two parts, with one section being provided in 1887 and the other ten years later.

Under the Local Government Act 1972, the then-newly created Mendip District Council (which officially gained power in 1974) took over responsibility for these assets.

As part of the transfer, the city council will receive a total of £555,000 – comprising £525,000 from the existing trust (which can only be used to improve the barn) and £30,000 as a one-off contribution, equivalent to six years’ average income from six spaces within the South Street car park.

The district council has also agreed to cover the legal costs to the transfer up to a limit of £5,000.

Speaking after the meeting, council leader Ros Wyke said: “Talks about the possible transfer of this scheduled ancient monument go back as far as May 2019. Finally, we are confident we have ensured a sustainable future for this site, as an income-generating community venue.

“We need to ensure it is loved, cherished, used and repaired so that it’s still standing there for another 1,000 years. We should be very mindful that we are but caretakers in the life of these treasured assets.

“I do believe that in years to come, the City of Wells will come to realise just how significant and important this transfer is. I am sure they are as excited as me to have these much-loved assets returned to them.

“I am absolutely delighted, and I thank all those who have finally helped make this happen.”