A serene country estate gifted to the Hare Krishna movement by Beatles legend George Harrison is at the centre of a fierce planning dispute, with local residents and heritage groups accusing its monastic residents of transforming it into a money-making 'spiritual theme park'.
From Sacred Gift to Commercial Enterprise?
Bhaktivedanta Manor, a stunning 17th Century estate in Letchmore Heath, near Watford, was generously donated by George Harrison in 1973. The same year, a cow sanctuary opened on the grounds. Nestled within 77 acres of tranquil Hertfordshire countryside, the site includes a goshala (cow shelter), an organic farm, a lake, and prayer halls, traditionally attracting thousands of international visitors for spiritual reflection.
However, critics argue that in recent years the Manor has undergone an 'unacceptable' amount of development. They claim this forms part of a 'strategic transformation' by the monks to generate cash, moving far beyond its original religious purpose.
The Contentious Expansion Plans
A series of proposals, some of which have proceeded without the necessary planning consent, have sparked outrage. These include:
- A new restaurant, café, bakery, and commercial kitchens.
- A book shop, gift shop, and children's play area.
- Refurbishment of the Goshala cow shelter and two new agricultural barns.
- Oxen cart tracks, new footpaths, and a new accommodation block.
- A massive new 10,000sq ft glasshouse to replace existing polytunnels.
Bhaktivedanta Manor, which attracts over 100,000 visitors a year, states that admission remains free but charges for classes like yoga and farm workshops. It insists the plans are designed to 'enhance and expand the visitor experience' and that it operates as a non-profit charity.
Local Backlash and Planning Battles
Opposition is being led by the Letchmere Village Heritage Trust (LHVT), alongside parish councillors, residents, and The Radlett Society and Greenbelt Association. They contend that the monks have lodged six retrospective planning applications with Hertsmere Borough Council in just 15 months, indicating a 'worrying pattern of non-compliance'.
In a blistering four-page objection letter, the LHVT stated the developments are 'far beyond the limits of ancillary religious activity'. They fear the Manor is intentionally evolving into a 'commercial and leisure destination', contradicting a 2012 planning document that committed to maintaining 'existing levels' of use.
Tensions reached a peak when a ticketing error for a religious festival caused ten-hour tailbacks on the M1. Local resident Mike Sullivan fumed, 'I've been in this area a long time and over the years, the Manor has gone from a place of religious worship to a business and that's not right.'
Documents reveal that planning enforcement officers have already visited the site after discovering that well over half of the works on the Grade II-listed Stable Block were completed without permission.
In a statement to the press, a spokesperson for Bhaktivedanta Manor said: 'Bhaktivedanta Manor remains a place of worship, spiritual reflection and service... We continue to work collaboratively with Hertsmere Borough Council and remain committed to being a considerate and cooperative partner to residents and the local community.'
