Listed house becoming off-limits, say villagers

Moggerhanger House was designed by the architect Sir John Soane

People living near a Grade I listed house have said the owners were "increasingly shutting its gates to the public".

They said the 33-acre Moggerhanger Park in Bedfordshire used to be open all year round.

Designed by architect Sir John Soane, the house is owned by the Moggerhanger House Preservation Trust, which recently met with local people and the parish council.

The trust said it would continue “to collaborate and communicate with residents through their elected representatives”.

Local resident Louise Burgess said public access had become more limited in recent months: "Paths are closed off, and we're not allowed behind the house anymore."

"I suspect they’re going to completely shut it one day.”

Ms Burgess said she felt the trust’s communication had “not been transparent”.

Hayley Whitaker says Moggerhanger Park is "a focal point for the village"

Hayley Whitaker, an independent councillor for Biggleswade West at Central Bedfordshire Council, said “alarm bells were raised” when residents were prevented from walking their dogs in the grounds in December and January.

She told the BBC the trust set out its intentions “to turn part of the premises into private residence. They would open the other half for 90 days to the public – that is the bare minimum.”

The trust was set up by a Christian group called Harvest Vision, which acquired the estate in 1995 for £1, on the basis that it would fund repairs and upkeep.

Phillip Gourd, 42, who lives near Moggerhanger Park, said: “I’ve got no issue with the park being run with Christianity at its roots, but it should be maintained for the benefit of the public.

“Moggerhanger House is the jewel in the crown of the village. When we bought our house, it was one of the main selling points.

“To lose this would be quite tragic. I want somewhere my children can go out and enjoy open space.”

Phillip Gourd says he wants his children to be able to enjoy "open space"

Ms Whitaker said the meeting was “very passionate” with “a lot of upset”.

"It has been used by the villagers and surrounding area for such a long time, it has such a soft spot in people’s hearts. People want to use this space and continue to enjoy it."

She also said many people were worried the trust will be unable to maintain the estate.

“The trustees' plans going forward had no substance. It's not clear how they’re going to keep that building viable.”

The Moggerhanger House Preservation Trust says its aims are to preserve the house and grounds, benefit the local community and advance the Christian religion

Danny Stupple, the chair of the trustees of Moggerhanger Park, said it was "wonderful to see so many people who share our passion for the park".

“There were some constructive and occasionally passionate and heated conversations about how we might move forward collaboratively in the future,” he said.

Mr Stupple said a further meeting has been "planned in six months time".

The trust said it would continue “to collaborate and communicate with residents through their elected representatives”.