1913 purchase of Lower Bevendean Farm
FURTHER LAND PURCHASE SCHEME
279 ACRES FOR £6,200
Another important land purchase scheme was brought up by the General Purposes Committee, who recommended the Council to purchase 279 acres, 2 roods, and 8 perches of freehold land, known as Lower Bevendean Farm, for the sum of £6,200. The land is part of the estate of the late Mr Steyning Beard, and is in the parish of Falmer.
The principal part of the land (246 acres, 2 roods, and 2 perches), including the homestead, is in the occupation of Mr F. J. Allcorn on a term expiring at Michaelmas, 1915, at a rent of £262, and the remaining 33 acres are let in allotments to fourteen different tenants, at rentals amounting to £98 18s. 6d.
The buildings comprise a farmhouse built of brick and flint and slate-roofed, having a wing which could be adapted for a second residence. The farm buildings are principally brick and flint built with slate or tiled roofs, and comprises cowshed for twenty four cows, stable for eight cart horses, chaff shed, cart lodge, open hovels and yards, a large granary with loft over, cowshed for six cows, etc. There are also five good cottages on the estate.
The total annual rent is £356.18 shillings and sixpence; the tithe (unapportioned) is estimated at £18, and there is no land tax.
Assuming the land to be purchase at the price of £6200, plus £100 in respect of stamp duty and expenses of the Corporation, and that the amount to be borrowed for a period of fifty years at 3.5 per cent interest, it is estimated that income and the outgoings in connection with the purchase will be as follows:
| INCOME | £ | s. | d. |
| Rent | 356 | 18 | 6 |
| EXPENDITURE | £ | s. | d. |
| Tithe | 18 | 0 | 0 |
| Repairs, management, etc. 15 per cent on £356 18s. 6d. | 53 | 0 | 0 |
| Interest and repayment of debt on loan of £6,300 At 3.5 per cent for 50 years | 281 | 10 | 0 |
| Balance (surplus) | 4 | 8 | 6 |
| 356 | 18 | 6 |
Provision is made in the Corporation Bill secured this session empowering the Corporation to purchase, subject to the sanction of the local government board, lands adjoining the East Brighton estate, suitable to be held therewith.
The sum of £6,200 is to include all lenders, solicitors, and agents costs and expenses.
The committee recommended that the land be purchased for this about, subject to the sanction of the local government board. The committee also recommended that application be made to the local government board for sanction to a low of £6,300, to be borrowed for a period of fifty years, to defray the cost and other expenses.
From: Brighton & Hove Herald - 2 August 1913
