Offord D’Arcy – Proposed change of use for Church Rooms land

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Parochial Church Council of the Parish of Offord D’Arcy with Offord Cluny(PCC), as Managing Trustees of the property known as the Church Rooms, Graveley Road, Offord D’Arcy, hereby give notice of their intention to apply to the Charity Commissioners under section 280A(8)(a) of the Charities Act 2011 (as amended) for permission to change the purposes for which that designated land may be used.

At present the premises can only be used ‘for ecclesiastical purposes ie

(a) As a place of meeting in connection with the Parish and for the promotion aiding and furthering in any manner of the work of the Church of England

(b) For any ecclesiastical purpose within the meaning of the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1921 affecting the said Parish or any part thereof’.

The Offord PCC is asking the Charity Commissioners to remove this restriction and to allow the property to be sold. The proceeds of sale will be used for the repair, and refurbishment of All Saints Church and other ‘ecclesiastical purposes’.

ANY OBJECTIONS TO, OR FEEDBACK ON THIS COURSE OF ACTION should be forwarded to John R Simpkin (Church Warden) at 3 Opeford Close, Offord Cluny, St. Neots, PE19 5QA.

Email: warden.offord@yahoo.com BY THE 31ST AUGUST 2025.

Explanatory Note

The Church Rooms have not been used since the first Covid lockdown. Before that an income was derived from short lettings e.g. A Ukulele Band, a Women’s Guild. Since Covid the property has deteriorated and is not fit to be used without substantial renovation. Because of the position of the building, the lack of parking, and the availability for public hire of the Village Hall with all its facilities, even if renovated, the PCC do not think any lettings would meet the cost of running the premises and have reluctantly decided to sell the property.