Fury at cathedral bosses for selling treasured site of First World War memorial trends now
A cash-strapped cathedral has been slammed for selling the site of a treasured World War One memorial to developers as it is revealed they hope to build 124 homes on the land.
The Cathedral Church of the Holy Spirit in Guildford, Surrey, was constructed in 1937 on a six-acre plot donated by British peer Richard Onslow.
In 1947, a substantial plot of undeveloped woodland was donated to the Church by Viscount Richard Bedford Bennett - who served as the 11th Prime minister of Canada between 1930 and 1935.
Bennett donated the land on the condition that it be used as a place of remembrance of the sacrifices made by the Canadian military during the First World War - including the 66,000 soldiers who died.
But now Guildford Cathedral has sold the land developers Vivid in a bid to raise money for repairs and 'safeguard' the building's future.
The Cathedral Church of the Holy Spirit in Guildford, Surrey, was constructed in 1937 on a six-acre plot
Plans submitted to Guildford Borough Council reveal the developers intend to demolish existing dwellings on the site and build 124 residential units, including affordable housing
Plans submitted to Guildford Borough Council reveal the developers intend to demolish existing dwellings on the site and build 124 residential units, including affordable housing.
The proposal has been criticised by non-profit organisation The Vimy Foundation, which curates and shares historical resources on Canada's participation in the First World War.
An objection submitted to the council by the organisation reads: 'The Vimy Foundation has learned through the press of a planned development of 124 apartments by the developer Vivid on land owned by Guildford Cathedral.
'This undeveloped wooded area was created on the initiative of R.B. Bennett, Prime Minister of Canada from 1930 to 1935, who lived near Guildford, to provide a place for reflection and remembrance of Canada's contribution during the conflicts that shook the first half of the 20th century.
'Dramatic circumstances in which R.B. Bennett distinguished himself; he was honoured as a 1st Viscount Bennett of Mickleham in the County of Surrey and of Calgary and Hopewelln in the Dominion of Canada for his important contribution to the Second World War air campaign to protect Britain.
'While understanding the needs of the
