The Chapel Cottage freehold is owned by Odiham Parish Council. Its full history is unclear but we believe the Parish Council took over responsibility of the cemetery from Odiham Burial Board when the council was created in 1894. This included Cemetery Lodge, now known as Chapel Cottage.
It originally housed the Cemetery Keeper. Since 1980’s the cottage has been rented out by the Council to private tenants.
For some years OPC has debated the future of Chapel Cottage due to rising management and building costs. The property is Grade II listed which has added to building maintenance costs.
In recent years, the rental income has helped to subsidise the Precept but to a far lower level than the income budget suggests. The age and state of the building and the changes made to regulations governing the requirements for rented accommodation, meant the average net income was only just over £8,000 per year during the years the property was occupied. This figure, taken with the burden on staff time and the risk of future financial liability, resulted in the Council deciding to sell.
The full case for this was researched thoroughly over more than a year and the resulting report can be read below:
Report to support decision to sell Chapel Cottage
In Spring 2026, the Cottage went on the market and the sale is due to complete shortly.
OPC is putting careful thought into how the capital released can best be used and/or invested to maximise community benefit. It is vitally important these funds are used to make lasting and tangible changes that benefit residents. We will be keeping everyone updated through our email newsletter (please sign up on the homepage if you have not done so already).