Save the Old Rectory Carshalton campaign launched to protect Grade II listed building

The group fear the Grade II listed building in Festival Walk will be sold off by Sutton Council, claiming council chiefs see it as surplus to requirements.

Save The Old Rectory Carshalton spokeswoman Sue Horne, who would like the rectory to remain in community use, and fear cuts from central Government have plunged the council into a difficult financial climate, which could see the site sold then converted into homes

Ms Horner, from Grosvenor Road, Wallington, said: "Nothing is fixed at the moment, but as with other buildings in the area such as The Lodge, its future is yet to be decided and we want the best possible outcome.

"Most of us would like to see it retained for public use."

Save The Old Rectory Carshalton is formed of members of different groups, such as Friends of the Honeywood, Carshalton Water Tower, the Ecology Centre, Carshalton Society and the Carshalton & District Archaeological Society. 

Built in roughly 1710, and it is thought the first vicar to have lived the was Reverend of Carshalton Church William Hollier.

The building passed through the hands of many private owners in the decades that followed, until it was bought by Carshalton Council in the mid-1930s. It was then used as council offices before becoming part of the Ecology Centre in the 1980s.

It is currently empty.

Ms Horne said: "It’s a lovely eighteenth centry house with original fireplaces and features. 

"A lot of the panelling inside is also still intact. If the building is redeveloped I can’t see how that won’t get damaged."

Councillor Simon Wales, lead member for finance, assets and the voluntary sector at Sutton Council, said: "The Old Rectory is a beautiful Grade 2 listed building and an important part of the borough’s heritage. We are keen to find a long-term, sustainable use for it which includes local residents. Discussions with local groups are under way and no decision has been taken."