RASE gets approval for centre of excellence at Stoneleigh

The Royal Agricultural Society of England can now develop Stoneleigh Park, the site of the Royal Show, as a centre of excellence after differences with the Leigh family were resolved.

Restrictive covenants drawn-up when the RASE purchased the site from the Leigh family in the 1960s prevented the society from pursuing its long-held ambition of developing the site.

A stand-off between the two parties ensued and with the RASE deciding to place the site up for sale.

Speaking to Farmers Weekly, RASE chief executive John Moverley said “consensus had been agreed”.

It that remains is for the lawyers to put this in to “legal speak”. 

“Essentially we can now move ahead with plans to develop the site as a centre for excellence in agriculture and horticulture.”