Planning

Planning

The Undershaw Preservation Trust arriving at the meeting to decide the future of Undershaw

A decision to develop the former home of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was unanimously voted approval by Waverley Borough Council on 9th June 2010. This iconic and historic house will be divided into 3 separate units and a further 5 houses will be built alongside.

The Trust arrived at the meeting in a 1911 Stanley vintage steam car driven by a local Haslemere man, Mr Jeff Theobold. Members of the Trust were dressed in Victorian costume accommpanied by none other than Sherlock Holmes (Rupert Sheard) and member’s of Doyle’s family.

John Gibson spoke out against the development saying “not nearly enough attention is given in the officer’s report to the vast, almost unprecendented swell of objections. How under such universal condemnation can the planners recommend acceptance? Surely the people have spoken, otherwise what is the point of asking for comments” The decision was a heavy blow to us all.

Undershaw was so cruelly snatched away from the nation by the council allowing the development of this major iconic building. However a Judicial Review is imminent and a Local Government Ombudsman investigation has been called for.

Just as a matter of interest to those at Waverely Borough Council who think that Undershaw would not make a popular tourist attraction and that Sherlock Holmes does not draw the crowds. Take the recent BBC viewing of ‘Sherlock’ which attracted a peak audience of 7.7 million.

Obituary to the very kind gentleman who drove us in his 1911 Stanley vintage car: Mr Jeff Theobold

I had met Jeff on a couple of occassions at the car shows and approached him for his support in our efforts to Save Undershaw. He very kindly agreed to drive the Trust members including Sherlock Holmes to the planning meeting to decide Undershaw’s future.

It is with much sadness that I announce the sudden death of Jeff who passed away peacefully in his sleep on 6th October 2010. Our condolances go out to his wife Pauline and his family. The photo’s we have will be very much treasured and a fond memory of our smokey and windy journey to Godalming. Jeff will always be remembered for his constant turning of his head to check we were still riding pillion – well that’s what it felt like sitting so high up in his wonderful vintage steam car – Stanley.