The Grayshott Society takes first steps
to protect and enhance village life

The Grayshott Society has enjoyed a successful few months following its inaugural meeting on October 17th 2006 at which those attending put forward their views on aspects of village life, design and the surrounding countryside that the committee should aim to help protect and enhance.

The remit given at the meeting led to the commencement of The Grayshott Society's first major project. Working in conjunction with the Grayshott Archive Group, the Society members developed a photographic display of buildings of historical or design significance, with accompanying research data. This was to support the Grayshott Parish Council's application to East Hampshire District Council to extend the existing Conservation Area. The Parish Council has, as a result of the Society's research, recommended the current Conservation Area be extended eastwards along Headley Road, down The Avenue and back, in a north westerly direction, along Crossways Road, where some particular properties of historical significance were noted. We await the response of East Hampshire District Council to these proposals.

The Society believes that the integrity of the Victorian and Edwardian building designs, that gives the village much of its character, will be better maintained by extending the Conservation Area and encouraging both Parish and District Councils to take account of the recommendations within the Grayshott Village Design Statement when considering future planning applications. This is particularly important at a time when the village is facing so many pressures that could dramatically and rapidly change its character, including demand for more residential housing and better infrastructure to support an increasingly diverse village population.

Hot on its heels followed the Society's second project; to consider proposals put forward for the redevelopment of Philips House sheltered housing. Following the Society's attendance of the District Council's Open Day to review the outline plans for Philips House, drawn up by the Council-appointed architects, the committee met in December to review its position. In a letter to East Hampshire District Council, dated 22nd December 2006, the Society indicated that whilst it broadly supported the proposal to provide affordable housing, through the demolition and rebuilding of Philips House, there were a number of issues about which it had concerns and offered appropriate recommendations.

It was recognised that the development had, to a large extent, been driven by the need to move the residents of Philips House only once. In the proposed plans, all residents would need to move to the new building on the side of the plot before the old building could be demolished. This, in the Society's opinion, led to the footprint of the building being larger than appropriate for the site, the necessity to build to three storeys and the demolition of 1, Beech Hanger Cottages.

The Grayshott Society, therefore, urged the District Council to consider a phased demolition and redevelopment of the site that would allow for a redesign with a lower height of the new building (only two storeys), in an appropriate sized site, and without demolishing the delightful 1 Beech Hanger Cottages, one in a row of two side by side sets of four cottages that is one of the more attractive features of the western approach to the village along Headley Road.

Most cottage residents, and the Society, expressed concern about the height, mass and prominence of the proposed Philips House design. The Grayshott Society also pointed out to the Council that the development of a third storey would set an undesirable precedent for subsequent development in this particular area of the village where there are currently no three storey buildings. It also suggested that any development should retain, or incorporate, generous landscaped spaces or verges between buildings and pavements and be set back further from Beech Hanger Road. In addition, it suggested that one parking space per flat, a total of 24, would be an appropriate number. However, it advised that this should not be at the expense of the trees and green spaces that front the site.

The future of Philips House will support a more diverse community in Grayshott, but will only enhance village life if appropriately designed and supported by village services and infrastructure. The Grayshott Society would welcome your views on our recommendations as soon as possible, already this month two Notifications of Planning Applications for 8 Beech Hanger End have been received by the Parish Council in respect of the Philips House redevelopment.

Please contact Grayshott Society committee members: Phil Bates on tel.606001/email: pbates@grayshottpottery.com or Chris Vardy on tel. 607423/email: vardy_chris@hotmail.com.

Which brings us to 2007. The Grayshott Society has two significant projects which it intends to support. The first is the redevelopment of the Village Square which we hope, with careful planning, could become a focal point of village life. The second is the traffic calming scheme which forms part of the A3 tunnel proposals. Together, these form a unique opportunity to revitalise the village and its community life and provide for better navigation within the village.

It is our belief that a coherent five-year design strategy, which incorporates not only the square but the whole village centre, is needed. With this in mind, we are seeking people to advise and support the Grayshott Society committee with expertise in landscape design, surveying, architectural design, environmental and leisure management, project management and marketing.

We are also supporting Haslemere Society and others over the recent development proposal at The Undershaw Hotel, Hindhead, the former home of Arthur Conan- Doyle. In addition, we are commissioning a plaque to celebrate Flora Thompson's 60 year anniversary in May. The plaque will be placed on a house in The Avenue where she lodged when working at our village post office.

We would welcome new members and their views. Membership is free and your voice really will make a difference to the future of our village.

All members will receive a free Grayshott Society newsletter every six months packed with the latest news from our projects and views from villagers. You will also be invited to contribute to our regular consultations as these projects progress and on others matters relating to the protection and enhancement of Grayshott village.

To discuss how your expertise may be able to help us, or if you are interested in membership, please contact Emma Pryke (tel.01428 608554/email e.pryke@btinternet.com or Jane Jones on tel. 604449/email janejones234@hotmail.com.

Alternatively, to become a member, please complete the membership form and place it in the collection box in The Post Office, Grayshott: