NRA Journal - Summer 2007 - National Rifle Association

NRA REAL ESTATE POLICY(adopted 26 April 2007)IntroductionThis policy statement, which covers all uses of realestate and forms of tenure at Bisley, has been adoptedby the Council of the National Rifle Association(“NRA”). It is designed to assist the National ShootingCentre Limited (“NSC”) in the execution of its realestate obligations set out in the Agreement madebetween NRA and NSC dated 28 April 2005. It is alsodesigned to help members, tenants and prospectivetenants at Bisley understand better the aims of theNRA in relation to its real estate and to clarify theirown rights and obligations.This policy relates to the occupation and use of allbuildings and land at Bisley by third parties andprovides guidance for development.In applying this policy the NRA and NSC will complywith existing contractual arrangements.Constraints and RestrictionsFavourable inheritance has endowed the NRA with asignificant land holding at Bisley. The land is subjectto many constraints and restrictions such as: -i) Planning - it is within the Green Belt and part isalso a Conservation Area.ii) Environmental - Natural England are closelyinvolved with the management of the landand certain areas are Sites of Special ScientificInterest. In addition members and visitorslike, and wish to see maintained, the uniqueambience of the site.iii) Physical - there are areas of restricted accessbecause of danger areas and the possibility ofunexploded munitions.iv) Ownership - the NRA is itself a long-termlessee/tenant of the MOD for significant areas,principally the ranges.v) Charity law – the NRA Council has to observethe restrictions imposed by law in respect ofcharities which own land.Principal ObjectivesThe NRA wishes: -1 To ensure a regular opportunity to review the useof land and to provide the potential to maximisethe use of land as operational requirements andeconomic conditions dictate.2 To provide as much accommodation as possibleto meet the various demands of shooters withthe view to maximising the use of the rangesand for the encouragement of target shooting.The NRA will therefore seek to providereasonable availability of leases, seasonal letsand daily accommodation (particularly foraccommodating major shooting events) witha view to providing accommodation to suit all“pockets”.3 To manage its real estate on a commercial basisin a fair and open manner between variouscompeting interests to generate income for theadvancement of the obligations of the NRA asa national Charity.4 To produce a Bisley Estate Master Plan. This willbecome the benchmark for all new developmentat Bisley.Types of UserThe NRA recognises the following types of real estateuser at Bisley and the definitions apply throughoutthis document:1 Individual - an individual member or membersof the NRA (providing they are related to eachother and do not exceed four in number).2 Club - a club approved by the Home Officewhich is also an affiliated member of the NRA(constituting a trust, partnership or other form ofunincorporated body or corporate entity) whichexists for the principal purpose of providingfacilities for its members who wish to shoot onthe ranges at Bisley, a military or cadet unit,the police or any other organisation which isrecognised as a club for this purpose by theNRA.3 Business - a person or business which providesgoods and/or services for the purpose ofcommercial gain.4 Visitor – a person or business which uses anypart of the premises on a temporary or occasionalbasis.Policy StatementA Leases1 All leases are to be negotiated at arm’s length onan ‘open market’ basis – ie the best commercialterms.2 The NRA’s appointed surveyors are to provideadvice to the Trustees on such terms as arerequired to satisfy Charity Law.3 No freeholds are to be sold.4 Leases to Individuals are to be in the name of theIndividual and to be for the personal use of theIndividual in connection with target shootingat Bisley.30