Peterborough Diocese has served notice on Titchmarsh Parochial Church Council (PCC) of its intention to sell a 10-year “development option” on 114 acres of Glebe Land between the A605 at Fisherman’s layby and Ranway.  This most unwelcome news has apparently been triggered by a financial crisis at the Diocese, caused largely by the covid-19 pandemic.  The property developer purchasing the option would be responsible for defining a scheme and taking it through the statutory planning process.  The Diocese currently envisages the site being developed into an industrial and logistics park. 

At an emergency meeting on 19^th July the PCC voted unanimously to formally object to the Diocese’ proposal in the strongest terms, recognising the potentially huge impact such a development would have on the life of the village community.  The PCC has 21 days to submit its objections to the notice in writing.  Stephen Barber, Lay Chair of the PCC said, “We will be very robust in our response to Peterborough, but we also need to mobilise wider village support against this massively inappropriate proposal”. 

The PCC has briefed the Parish Council and is asking villagers to write to the Diocese.  An online petition has also been launched.  More detail on how villagers can register their views will be posted in due course. 

The PCC’s objections will be considered by the Diocesan Glebe Committee before a final decision on whether to proceed with the option sale is made by the Diocesan Board of Finance.  We will keep you posted.