Malvern Hills Conservators only own the Southern part of the Island (Green on map)
The land came into the Board's ownership under the Conveyance of the wastes of the Manor of Malvern in 1925.
The land has been leased out to local councils since 1951
The original lease was dated 12 March 1951 with the Malvern Urban District Council
The agreement was later renewed in 1980 with Hereford & Worcester County Council.
The present agreement is with Worcestershire County Council and is dated 9 February 2001
The agreement includes conditions not to fell any trees or erect any building, other structure, or carry out any engineering works without the previous consent of the Conservators.
To sell the land the Conservators would have to seek consent from the Secretary of State to dispose of the land under Section 9 of the 1930 Act which would require giving notice by advertisement in two local newspapers.
Worcestershire County Council has established that it would be interested in purchasing the island
Worcestershire County Council indicates that it has no intention of removing the trees and would be happy to look at a covenant to protect them.
By the morning of the Land Management Committee meeting to consider this matter (Thursday 22nd August) the Conservators office has received two petitions (one with 23 names & one with 13 names) & 39 letters of objection. One petition (13 names) & 15 letters have been received by the Ray Roberts the Conservator for the Chase Ward.
Principal objections are the threat of development and loss of amenity.
At the meeting of the Land Management Committee held on Thursday, 22 August 2002 Mr. Brook withdrew his proposal that negotiations should commence for the sale to Worcestershire County Council of the eastern end of the Twelve Apostles Island which is currently leased to them. In the circumstances the officer recommendation that the status quo should be retained was unanimously agreed. The Chairman of the Committee, David Ward, thanked Mr. Brook for bringing up this issue which had raised the Board's awareness of public opinion with regard to the protection afforded to land under the guardianship of the Malvern Hills Conservators.
