Bhaktivedanta Manor

Beginning in 1981, ISKCON was engaged in a campaign to save Bhaktivedanta Manor from closure as a public temple, as the popularity of the site led to increased traffic through Aldenham.

[7] The popularity of the movement had much to do with former Beatle George Harrison,[8] who helped establish the temple,[9] in addition to endorsing Krishna Conscious principles in his 1970 solo album All Things Must Pass.

[29] By the late 1970s, Bhaktivedanta Manor had become a popular visiting place for London's large Hindu population,[30] particularly since, unlike in areas of the UK such as the Midlands, it was a rare example of a local temple for Krishna worship.

[31] Having originally permitted ISKCON to use the site as a theological college, in line with the educational function that the property served under St Bart's ownership,[31] Hertsmere Council moved to ban all religious festivals at Bhaktivedanta Manor in 1981.

[32] Meanwhile, the council received many more local complaints, leading it to issue an enforcement notice in January 1987 to have the temple closed to the public, citing a breach of the 1000-person daily limit.

[32] A series of government inquiries over 1987–89 recognised the importance of Aldenham's position within the Letchmore Heath Conservation Area,[31] and in 1990 the Secretary of State announced that Bhaktivedanta Manor would have to close as a temple.

[32] In the months leading up to the deadline, the devotees bought the neighbouring land, and submitted a development proposal to Hertsmere Council, with a view to making a road that would bring all traffic into the Manor from the A41, on the opposite (west) side of the property from the village.

[32] Six months after the appeal was lodged, the Department of the Environment granted permission for the proposed road,[37] with the Secretary of State concluding: [Bhaktivedanta Manor] is unique in the UK because there is no comparable alternative place for teaching, worship and meditation; and the level of provision of these religious facilities is to an exceptionally high standard.

Furthermore, the close association of the Hare Krishna movement's founder with the Manor makes it a special, if not unique place …[32]The road was duly built, through what was now a 70-acre property, bypassing the village of Aldenham.

[36] According to a 2013 BBC News report, the grounds of Bhaktivedanta Manor now include "a theological college, organic farm, herb gardens, a cow sanctuary, primary school and kitchens providing meals for the homeless".

The rest of the property comprises a shop selling souvenirs and devotional paraphernalia, a bakery, a farm with working oxen, college facilities, ashrams, a primary school, and a small theatre.