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No heroes in my backyard
2:48pm Thursday 19th July 2007
Comments (118) Have your say »
Neighbours have launched an offensive over proposals to convert a £1.7million property in Ashtead into a guest house for relatives of servicemen wounded in Afghanistan or Iraq.
Battle lines have been drawn since the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) sought planning consent to adapt the six-bedroom home in Grays Lane.
The charity thought residents would look kindly on its application because of the sacrifices made by soldiers recovering at the nearby Headley Court military rehabilitation centre.
For 60 years the flagship centre has supported reservists whose injuries require more dedicated care than NHS hospitals can offer.
But that failed to stop about 100 local people objecting to the proposed alterations, which include fitting a wheelchair ramp.
Their main complaint was that increased noise and traffic would "ruin the special character and appeal" of the private lane.
Other criticisms were that the families "would not be welcome" and that their arrival could destroy the "unique charm" of multi-million pound properties.
One letter writer even objected on security grounds, suggesting the hostel could become a terrorist target.
The "nimbyism" stunned the SSAFA, which is waiting for Mole Valley District Council to consider the case on August 1.
Spokesman Athol Hendry said: "We were genuinely taken aback and hugely disappointed by the amount of hostility. It has been proven that having family support is an important part of the healing process, and there is a huge need for a facility such as this.
"The objectors clearly don't understand what it feels like to have your life changed in a second by a bomb blowing up in Basra."
Roger Bennett, planning officer for Ashtead Residents' Association, insisted villagers were sympathetic to the case and supportive of how Headley Court rebuilds lives.
He said: "The actual house is situated in a very narrow lane, and we are just worried about traffic congestion because access is not suitable."
Your Say YourYour Local Guardian
Alick Potter, says...
8:19pm Thu 19 Jul 07
I totally agree with Alan Phillips,its stinks of snobbery in what is ""private estate"
maggi altham, Ashtead says...
9:12pm Thu 19 Jul 07
The members of the Grays Lane Residents Association make me ashamed of my links with Ashtead. Their comments to the council are vile and puerile and for Roger Bennett to say the lane is not wide enough to accommodate the extra traffic is an indication of the narrowness of the residents' minds. Unlike the old lanes of Ashtead, Grays Lane is very wide with deep grass verges. If the council has received 98 letters of protest, I urge those residents who don't agree with the bigotted view of the Association to write immediately to the council and disassociate themselves from a group of people whom I would be ashamed to call neighours.
Ashamed of Ashtead
Ashamed of Ashtead
George Duncan, London says...
12:13am Fri 20 Jul 07
Maggie Altham
Thank you so much for your comments. Your support is gratefully recieved. I would offer this.
"A PLEA FOR HELP TO THE RESIDENTS OF ASHTEAD.
PLEASE HELP OUR INJURED SERVICMEN AND WOMEN
Ashtead, has, for many years had a strong and proud relationship with DMRC Headley Court. This facility in your area is now working at full capacity to help our injured and wounded service personnel, some of whom have received life changing and debilitating injuries. Regardless of the political rights and wrongs of the campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq, the young men and women who are sent there to risk their lives deserve the support of all of us. In all of the tragedies that occur daily, there is another set of victims, - the families. Mums or Dads, Husbands or Wives, Sons or Daughters, who struggle to come to terms with the fact that their loved ones are now confined to wheelchairs, paralysed, blinded or suffering severe mental trauma.
As many patients at Headley Court will tell you, nothing quite helps you get better more than a hug from Mum and Dad. Sadly for many service personnel whose families live far away from the peaceful surrounds of Surrey, they must face the huge task of rehabilitation alone, without a comforting /familiar face.
How can you Help?
We dont need money. We don't need anything more than a simple letter from you, as a resident of Ashtead, giving your support to the servicemen who have given their all for us.
.
The Soldiers Sailors Airmens Families Association SSAFA ( which has been helping servicemen/women & their families since 1885 & have for their Patron HM The Queen) wishes to apply for change of use of a property it is buying at 36 Grays Lane. The change of use will be to allow up to 6 families (a six bed roomed property) to stay there whilst they visit their badly injured family members. External modifications would include the fitting of wheelchair ramps at the front door to allow access for the injured to stay with their loved ones for perhaps a night, so that they can escape the traumas that exist daily on the wards. This is a facility that the residents of Ashtead would be justifiably proud of a first in the UK.
There have been many objections to the application for this facility.
To counter some myths:
Increased noise! Would you be partying if you were visiting your crippled son?
Increased Traffic! A normal house hold with teenage kids has three cars, there may be up to 6 at number 36, which has off road, discreet parking for up to 10.
It sets a precedent for running a business on a residential road! well SSAFA is a charity, but there is no concern about precedent. At least 6 businesses including Limited Companies are registered on Grays Lane.
It will alter the character of the Lane! I doubt if you walked down the lane you would even be able to tell which house was being used. Where similar family houses have been set-up in Germany and the USA, local residents have felt intensely proud to be hosts to the families of these young men and women, and welcomed the families into their communities.
If you wish to help, please support this application by emailing, or mailing
Miss Lesley Westphal
Mole Valley District Council
Pippbrook
Dorking
Surrey RH4 1SJ
Or on-line at www.molevalley.gov.u
k/...cleid=1574
Entering planning application number MO/2007/0863 to register your support.
These brave men and women fought for us, please fight for them!
Sue Norton whose husband Captain Peter Norton suffered horrific injuries in 2005 and was awarded the George Cross for his bravery who wrote in a letter to Mole Valley Council:
in the UK there was no facility suitable for visiting families with children at either Selly Oak Hospital or Headley Court. Most families do not live anywhere near either of these facilities; hence the need was and still is very apparent. Rehabilitation takes such a long time, months roll into years, the families basically suffer as a result, and are often very alone and at a distance from their own family support network
The council meet on August 1st to decide this matter. Please help us help our young men and women, who have given everything on our behalf.
Thank you"
Thank you so much for your comments. Your support is gratefully recieved. I would offer this.
"A PLEA FOR HELP TO THE RESIDENTS OF ASHTEAD.
PLEASE HELP OUR INJURED SERVICMEN AND WOMEN
Ashtead, has, for many years had a strong and proud relationship with DMRC Headley Court. This facility in your area is now working at full capacity to help our injured and wounded service personnel, some of whom have received life changing and debilitating injuries. Regardless of the political rights and wrongs of the campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq, the young men and women who are sent there to risk their lives deserve the support of all of us. In all of the tragedies that occur daily, there is another set of victims, - the families. Mums or Dads, Husbands or Wives, Sons or Daughters, who struggle to come to terms with the fact that their loved ones are now confined to wheelchairs, paralysed, blinded or suffering severe mental trauma.
As many patients at Headley Court will tell you, nothing quite helps you get better more than a hug from Mum and Dad. Sadly for many service personnel whose families live far away from the peaceful surrounds of Surrey, they must face the huge task of rehabilitation alone, without a comforting /familiar face.
How can you Help?
We dont need money. We don't need anything more than a simple letter from you, as a resident of Ashtead, giving your support to the servicemen who have given their all for us.
.
The Soldiers Sailors Airmens Families Association SSAFA ( which has been helping servicemen/women & their families since 1885 & have for their Patron HM The Queen) wishes to apply for change of use of a property it is buying at 36 Grays Lane. The change of use will be to allow up to 6 families (a six bed roomed property) to stay there whilst they visit their badly injured family members. External modifications would include the fitting of wheelchair ramps at the front door to allow access for the injured to stay with their loved ones for perhaps a night, so that they can escape the traumas that exist daily on the wards. This is a facility that the residents of Ashtead would be justifiably proud of a first in the UK.
There have been many objections to the application for this facility.
To counter some myths:
Increased noise! Would you be partying if you were visiting your crippled son?
Increased Traffic! A normal house hold with teenage kids has three cars, there may be up to 6 at number 36, which has off road, discreet parking for up to 10.
It sets a precedent for running a business on a residential road! well SSAFA is a charity, but there is no concern about precedent. At least 6 businesses including Limited Companies are registered on Grays Lane.
It will alter the character of the Lane! I doubt if you walked down the lane you would even be able to tell which house was being used. Where similar family houses have been set-up in Germany and the USA, local residents have felt intensely proud to be hosts to the families of these young men and women, and welcomed the families into their communities.
If you wish to help, please support this application by emailing, or mailing
Miss Lesley Westphal
Mole Valley District Council
Pippbrook
Dorking
Surrey RH4 1SJ
Or on-line at www.molevalley.gov.u
k/...cleid=1574
Entering planning application number MO/2007/0863 to register your support.
These brave men and women fought for us, please fight for them!
Sue Norton whose husband Captain Peter Norton suffered horrific injuries in 2005 and was awarded the George Cross for his bravery who wrote in a letter to Mole Valley Council:
in the UK there was no facility suitable for visiting families with children at either Selly Oak Hospital or Headley Court. Most families do not live anywhere near either of these facilities; hence the need was and still is very apparent. Rehabilitation takes such a long time, months roll into years, the families basically suffer as a result, and are often very alone and at a distance from their own family support network
The council meet on August 1st to decide this matter. Please help us help our young men and women, who have given everything on our behalf.
Thank you"
Bill Bruce, Kent says...
12:16am Fri 20 Jul 07
SSAFA have already said that they will run a minibus service for the families from this residence to Headley Court so Mr Bennett's contention that there be increased traffic is quite unfounded. If Mr Bennett is truly concerned about increased traffic in Grays Lane might I suggest that he proposes to the present residents (some of whom have 3 cars in the driveway), that actually walking their children to the school approximately 600 yards away might help alleviate any perceived problem?
Joe Horner, Wales says...
12:17am Fri 20 Jul 07
I'm afraid I find little to surprise me in this, having lived most of my life in areas with like-minded people. It would be interesting to know how many planning applications they've put in, unopposed, for extensions and the like - all of which imply more space, more people and more traffic.
But apart from that, how can they be worried about traffic when a look at the proposal shows that SSAFA intend to provide co-ordinated transport to Headley Court. Surely a minibus a day is a small price to pay?
I don't live locally any more, but I'm afraid I've written to support the application. Perhaps if others do the same, common sense and basic human decency might prevail!
But apart from that, how can they be worried about traffic when a look at the proposal shows that SSAFA intend to provide co-ordinated transport to Headley Court. Surely a minibus a day is a small price to pay?
I don't live locally any more, but I'm afraid I've written to support the application. Perhaps if others do the same, common sense and basic human decency might prevail!
Angela Barber, Salisbury Plain says...
12:24am Fri 20 Jul 07
I think it's absolutely deplorable. Another 3 men have died today, possibly others injured, and people are worried about parking?
Shame on them.
Shame on them.
George Duncan, London says...
12:27am Fri 20 Jul 07
Maggie
Please go here
http://www.arrse.com
/cpgn2/Forums/viewto
pic/t=72560/postdays
=0/postorder=asc/sta
rt=1005.html
to near the bottom of the page. You will find the link to here - inspired by someone who found your comments and many many true feelings concerning this subject. If you register and talk with the guys they will love you forever (all ex/serving military)
Please go here
http://www.arrse.com
/cpgn2/Forums/viewto
pic/t=72560/postdays
=0/postorder=asc/sta
rt=1005.html
to near the bottom of the page. You will find the link to here - inspired by someone who found your comments and many many true feelings concerning this subject. If you register and talk with the guys they will love you forever (all ex/serving military)
Dale T Snail, www.arrse.co.uk says...
12:34am Fri 20 Jul 07
Maggi, thank you for your comment. There are indeed people on the Army Rumour Service applauding you now. Many thanks xx Sluggy x
Stephen Walpole, says...
12:40am Fri 20 Jul 07
The self respect of AShtead is currently being auctioned on eBay. If any resident of Ashtead wants to rescue the Towns self respect then enter Ashtead into eBays search bar which will take You to the auction.
Is anyone in Ashtead up to the challenge?
Is anyone in Ashtead up to the challenge?
Stilts, www.arrse.co.uk says...
12:40am Fri 20 Jul 07
Re: Headley Court military rehabilitation centre.
This story was brought to my attention via the Army Rumour Service
Some members of the local 'communtity' have objected to a families house for wounded service men & women, as they deem it could be a terrorist target. And other such ridiculous arguments.
Iam currently a serving member of the armed forces, there is a very severe case of nimbyism in the local community. Iam a memeber of the Army Rumour Service (ARRSE) which has a rather large thread on this subject. I would like you to raise our point of view on this matter and let the rest of the Nation understand how we need such a place for the families of wounded service personel.
all the information is on:
www.arrse.co.uk
The thread is:
Nimby neighbours war with SSAFA - WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
This story was brought to my attention via the Army Rumour Service
Some members of the local 'communtity' have objected to a families house for wounded service men & women, as they deem it could be a terrorist target. And other such ridiculous arguments.
Iam currently a serving member of the armed forces, there is a very severe case of nimbyism in the local community. Iam a memeber of the Army Rumour Service (ARRSE) which has a rather large thread on this subject. I would like you to raise our point of view on this matter and let the rest of the Nation understand how we need such a place for the families of wounded service personel.
all the information is on:
www.arrse.co.uk
The thread is:
Nimby neighbours war with SSAFA - WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
Helen Garner, Kent says...
12:56am Fri 20 Jul 07
This breathtakingly blatent selfishness barely veiled with psuedo-concern for traffic/noise/pollut
ion increase makes me ashamed to be a part of this inceasingly self-serving society with dubious morals and zero responsibility. My support has been registered for this crucial project and I would urge anyone with a shred of decency to realise the absolute necessity of this unobtrusive planning application that, once complete, will provide untold benefits to those brave souls fighting in our name.
ion increase makes me ashamed to be a part of this inceasingly self-serving society with dubious morals and zero responsibility. My support has been registered for this crucial project and I would urge anyone with a shred of decency to realise the absolute necessity of this unobtrusive planning application that, once complete, will provide untold benefits to those brave souls fighting in our name.
Lee R, says...
12:59am Fri 20 Jul 07
It is beyond belief that some Ashtead residents could condemn such a worthy cause as this. How on earth can half a dozen relatives of severely wounded British soldiers staying at a local residence be to the detriment of their community?? Rather than complaining, I would have thought the residents would be proud to have such a facility in their neighbourhood. To whinge about increased traffic, noise, and a potential terrorism threat (!!!) is just wretched. The NIMBY complainants should be hanging their heads in shame!
Viro Bono, Northern Ireland says...
2:15am Fri 20 Jul 07
Joe Horner asks whether any of the objectors have submitted applications; the answer is yes, quite a few. That is their right, of course.
Some of the objections suggest that the SSAFA house will be a business, and that would be detrimental. It won't be, but curiously, some of the people raising that objection actually have businesses registered to their own addresses in Grays Lane.
If the need for relatives of our wounded to be accommodated were not so urgent and important, I'd be inclined to leave the residents of Royston Ashtead to their selfish little 'local' world.
Some of the objections suggest that the SSAFA house will be a business, and that would be detrimental. It won't be, but curiously, some of the people raising that objection actually have businesses registered to their own addresses in Grays Lane.
If the need for relatives of our wounded to be accommodated were not so urgent and important, I'd be inclined to leave the residents of Royston Ashtead to their selfish little 'local' world.
Ted Sparrow, Colchester says...
6:13am Fri 20 Jul 07
Some of those who have used Headley Court are bomb disposal officers smashed up by bombs they tried to defuse. Just suppose that the Nimbys are right & the local branch of the Taliban leave a bomb in their road. They will still expect the disposal officer to turn up.
As for one's comment that house number 36 could catch fire & spread to their house - heaven help us.
Someone even suggested they are patriotic as "they had a VE day party".
Lets see these people go & offer help to SSAFA.
I am a Suez Vet & on our Forum, I have seen postings from all over the world deploring this action by the Ashtead Nimbys.
As for one's comment that house number 36 could catch fire & spread to their house - heaven help us.
Someone even suggested they are patriotic as "they had a VE day party".
Lets see these people go & offer help to SSAFA.
I am a Suez Vet & on our Forum, I have seen postings from all over the world deploring this action by the Ashtead Nimbys.
Lee H, Warks says...
7:42am Fri 20 Jul 07
Please sign The Downing Street petition at http://petitions.pm.
gov.uk/Headley/
gov.uk/Headley/
Mike Jenvey, Nr Cambridge UK says...
9:24am Fri 20 Jul 07
It makes my blood boil to read the appalling & hypocritical comments from the complaining residents - one even mentioned that their horse tack would be at risk!!! One complained about extra pollution - but had a lovely big bonfire in their garden yesterday, huge amounts of black smoke
..
Many of the residents have spurious concerns about extra traffic but their houses are nowhere near any feasible routeing of families going to/from Headley Court, never mind that local residents have 3 4 cars per household in some cases. Amazing how petty some people can be.
Captain Peter Norton is current residing in Headley he was awarded the George Cross for his bravery in Iraq; hes not as mobile as he used to be, as he had an arm & a leg blown off (bomb disposal) nearly 2 yrs ago, & had been undergoing treatment & rehabilitation ever since.
And these residents want to stop families having a local base to visit their loved ones pathetic isnt a strong enough word, detestable is getting closer.
Many of the residents have spurious concerns about extra traffic but their houses are nowhere near any feasible routeing of families going to/from Headley Court, never mind that local residents have 3 4 cars per household in some cases. Amazing how petty some people can be.
Captain Peter Norton is current residing in Headley he was awarded the George Cross for his bravery in Iraq; hes not as mobile as he used to be, as he had an arm & a leg blown off (bomb disposal) nearly 2 yrs ago, & had been undergoing treatment & rehabilitation ever since.
And these residents want to stop families having a local base to visit their loved ones pathetic isnt a strong enough word, detestable is getting closer.
A Magsy, Gloucestershire says...
9:58am Fri 20 Jul 07
The residents of Greys lane display all the traits of NIMBY's. I'm am utterly disgusted in the self centred better than thou attitude you have displayed. Hang your heads in shame. I would be proud to have a facility like the one proposed by SSAFA in my street - you should be to. If you have a shred of decency left in your bodies, you will retract your objections and fully support this worthwhile and desperately needed facility.
I Durrant, Shrops says...
10:26am Fri 20 Jul 07
Whilst the planning process has to be followed, and rightly so, there must surely be a wider view adopted here. All of the objections are pretty much baseless and seem strangely orchestrated. The objector(s) who started this ill-considered approach, should they succeed in preventing the proposed plan, will have earned the undying contempt of a vast majority of the right thinking populace. SHAME ON THEM.
Jeffrey Davis, Telford says...
10:28am Fri 20 Jul 07
I was a resident at Headley Court when my father was in the RAF, and the dignity of the men and women undergoing treatment there is sufficient to humble even the hardest heart.
With respect to residents' concerns over traffic noise in their bit of England, I wonder home many highways and byways they themselves traverse without giving a seconds thought to the noise and inconvenience they are causing - but these will of course be other people's houses and they are only concerned about themselves. Heck, I'll wager the majority even speed through other people's communities, and use the M25 which, when it was built, cut a swathe across the landscape of many a residents property.
Furthermore, the men and women of the armed forces would be only to ready and willing to help them if there were a flood or some other such occurence that required them to pitch in on the home front. These sickening NIMBYs woulld not however deserve their help. They make me ashamed to call myself British.
With respect to residents' concerns over traffic noise in their bit of England, I wonder home many highways and byways they themselves traverse without giving a seconds thought to the noise and inconvenience they are causing - but these will of course be other people's houses and they are only concerned about themselves. Heck, I'll wager the majority even speed through other people's communities, and use the M25 which, when it was built, cut a swathe across the landscape of many a residents property.
Furthermore, the men and women of the armed forces would be only to ready and willing to help them if there were a flood or some other such occurence that required them to pitch in on the home front. These sickening NIMBYs woulld not however deserve their help. They make me ashamed to call myself British.
Pat Feehan, East Kilbride says...
11:58am Fri 20 Jul 07
I have just read this article and could not belive that anyone could be so unkind to people who put their lives on the line 24/7.
One wonders how sympathetic these people would be if their son or daughter had suffered keeping Britain safe.
One wonders how sympathetic these people would be if their son or daughter had suffered keeping Britain safe.
Marc Madden, UK says...
12:08pm Fri 20 Jul 07
What an appalling bunch of boorish snobs!
A mirror has been held up for you,if you cannot now see your behaviour for what it truly is,then you are hopelessly lost.
For shame!!!!!
A mirror has been held up for you,if you cannot now see your behaviour for what it truly is,then you are hopelessly lost.
For shame!!!!!
Alick Potter, Epsom/Ashtead borders says...
12:25pm Fri 20 Jul 07
Where are all the "Brave" local residents??? There does not seem that any are pleading their objections here.Traffic congestion in this area is unknown of, except at school times, caused mostly by these local residents.Give our forces all the help they deserve and this includes their loved ones accomadation near to Headley Court.
Mike Williams, Leatherhead says...
12:32pm Fri 20 Jul 07
What rubbish about the traffic. I know this road well and the three or four extra cars these families will use will make not any difference whatsoever to the lives of these selfish people.
There was a time when a community would have been proud to help those injured serving their country.
Shame on Grays Lane!
There was a time when a community would have been proud to help those injured serving their country.
Shame on Grays Lane!
Chris, Surrey says...
12:42pm Fri 20 Jul 07
I think this is a disgusting , selfish act that shows absoleutly no respect to the bravery and honour of all service people.
James Armitage, Bracknell says...
12:58pm Fri 20 Jul 07
The fact is that these wars are unpopular and possibly illegal and the British public is unhappy we were railroaded into an expensive and unwise involvement. I imagine many of the fighting men are not happy with the situation but they are carrying out their orders with courage and determination. We OWE it to them to look after them, when they return, mentally and physically harmed to the country that sent them of on this futile and unwinnable conflict!
Mike Williams, Leatherhead says...
2:23pm Fri 20 Jul 07
What rubbish about the traffic. I know this road well and the three or four extra cars these families will use each day will make no difference whatsoever to the lives of these selfish people.
There was a time when a community would have been proud to help those injured serving their country.
Shame on Grays Lane!
There was a time when a community would have been proud to help those injured serving their country.
Shame on Grays Lane!
jenny, Larkfield Kent says...
4:11pm Fri 20 Jul 07
Just read this report and could not quite believe myu eyes! How bigoted can you get regarding service personnel who are injured. What harm can they or even their relatives do these 'stuck-up' more money than sense people!!
Simon Lord, Local says...
4:27pm Fri 20 Jul 07
How these local residents can even live with themselves - "Increased terrorist threat" because some relatives of wounded soldiers are staying close by.
Their total selfishness is appalling.
Their total selfishness is appalling.
Mark Leonard, Birmingham says...
4:41pm Fri 20 Jul 07
Whilst currently working at RCDM (Selly Oak Hospital) as a civilian (Ex-Military) I come across many of the brave, and usually young men and women of our armed services that are currently involved in conflict throughout the world. Their injuries are life changing, and if that were you, I or especially a resident of Ashtead we would want the support and close proximity of immediate family and loved ones.
Is this to much to ask?
Let any of the local residents come and see what I do on a daily basis and see if they change their selfish, single minded attitudes.
Is this to much to ask?
Let any of the local residents come and see what I do on a daily basis and see if they change their selfish, single minded attitudes.
Vikki Collins, Powys, Mid Wales says...
4:56pm Fri 20 Jul 07
The attitude of these people beggars belief - They would disallow brave men and women who have been horrifically scarred physically and mentally due to active service from receiving visits from their families - for shame.
These self same people didn't complain when the "Green Goddesses" were stationed nearby to protect their properties during the firemen's strike - how hypocritical can they get.
They deserve the contempt of all others peoples this country - goodness knows they have worked hard to deserve it!
Readers, I commend you all to sign the petition at:
http://petitions.pm.
gov.uk/Headley/
These self same people didn't complain when the "Green Goddesses" were stationed nearby to protect their properties during the firemen's strike - how hypocritical can they get.
They deserve the contempt of all others peoples this country - goodness knows they have worked hard to deserve it!
Readers, I commend you all to sign the petition at:
http://petitions.pm.
gov.uk/Headley/
AnnA, says...
5:05pm Fri 20 Jul 07
I just hope that if the planning permission is squashed that squatters move into the area along with van loads of travelling peoples
Adrian Marsden, Detroit, MI, USA says...
7:27pm Fri 20 Jul 07
Since the only planned alteration to the property is the addition of a ramp one wonders if the local residents would refuse one of their own permission to build a ramp should they become disabled.
These people are beyond shameless.
These people are beyond shameless.
Don, Sutton says...
8:32pm Fri 20 Jul 07
What a load of unthinking selfish bigots these objectors are. They are thinking only of themselves and not the guys who have been in a war, are likely seriously wounded or traumtised who have to stand for people who don't give a **** for them. So you miserable creatures how does that make you feel? These people need their loved ones to have a cry with and to be able to have a hug. How despicable of you all that don't care.
There will be no extra traffic, it is not a business it is a charity, something you wouldn't know about I dare say, it will not create noise and they won't light bonfires or register numerous businesses at the home meant to comfort.
If you can, I would hope that you can see it in yours hearts to change your stance, but I expect the bigots and self centred who have objected to this much needed and worthy application will not give a tuppeny ****
Sleep well - if you can.
There will be no extra traffic, it is not a business it is a charity, something you wouldn't know about I dare say, it will not create noise and they won't light bonfires or register numerous businesses at the home meant to comfort.
If you can, I would hope that you can see it in yours hearts to change your stance, but I expect the bigots and self centred who have objected to this much needed and worthy application will not give a tuppeny ****
Sleep well - if you can.
Mark, Biggin Hill, Kent says...
8:59pm Fri 20 Jul 07
I have followed closely the various forum threads and newspaper articles relating to this unhappy affair and can honestly say that other than by our Governments appalling treatment of our loyal Gurkhas, I have never felt so ashamed to be both English and civilian.
sarah (A..R.R.S.E.), u.k. says...
9:38pm Fri 20 Jul 07
Every single person who as complained should be deeply ashamed of themselves our soldiers fight for queen and country and this is the way in which our soldier's and there familys are treated .
The people who are complaining may have the money to buy material things to keep them happy .
But the one thing our soldiers and their family have is love and respect from the british public ,which is one thing that these people wont be getting .
I have never heard such narrow minded opinions from people in my life .
please ,please , change your minds our soldiers need your help
The people who are complaining may have the money to buy material things to keep them happy .
But the one thing our soldiers and their family have is love and respect from the british public ,which is one thing that these people wont be getting .
I have never heard such narrow minded opinions from people in my life .
please ,please , change your minds our soldiers need your help
Mark, Cambridgeshire says...
10:40pm Fri 20 Jul 07
I have read the article, that started all of this, and I still cannot beleive it. I am a serving member of the Armed forces, and I find there objections, frankly, insulting. I hope they are reading these letters and feel the shame.
Claire Ede, Local says...
11:02pm Fri 20 Jul 07
I think the current residents of Grays Lane are just out and out SNOBS! I have a relative that is wheelchair bound at present. What harm is a ramp going to do? They are so selfish and not worthy of the marvellous men and women who put their lives at risk for our sakes every day. I drive by Headley Court practically every day and always feel such pride in what takes place there. I hope Mole Valley District Council's attention is brought to all this feedback on this site and feedback that has been in national papers too. It is disgusting that people can treat other people that way. We all need our families and their love and support when times are hard. We can NOT deny our brave servicemen and women this basic human right to be supported by those they love dearly.For once MVDC councillors make the right decision please!
David, Ashtead says...
11:25pm Fri 20 Jul 07
Let's ignore the hype for the moment about war heroes etc. I have the utmost respect for these brave wounded service men and women and Headley Court does a superb job. I cannot begin to imagine the distress the injuries cause to individuals and families. I too think the majority of the objections are indefensible and I have written in support the application. Increased risk of terrorism indeed - what rubbish!
However, has anyone actually asked why is SSAFA buying a property in the second most expensive road in Ashtead? We are talking football star properties here. There is no public transport to Headley from there. If SSAFA have £2.1million to spend on property and the need is immediate, why not buy 6 one bedroom flats in the area. There are countless other properties for sale at much cheaper prices plus numerous properties to let in the area that make much more sense. Why not, for example, block book 6 family rooms at the local Travel Inn in Leatherhead or Epsom. Interest alone on the £2.1 million would pay for these rooms for the foreseeable future and there would be no long term commitment and housing cost. Travel Inn will not mind as they will have guaranteed income and bookings. In addition there would be no need to hire staff to manage the property, or hire other staff to maintain the property. It makes no sense to buy an overpriced house in a prestige road to fulfil a need that could be satisfied elsewhere, unless of course there is some sort of hidden agenda here?
In the meantime plans could be made to build additional family accommodation at Headley Court. Yes there would be planning difficulties as it is within the Green Belt, but this would be MOD land and surely they would hold sway over the DOE? Or is it that the MOD does not want to be saddled with an unusable building in the future when the need for accommodation hopefully diminishes but they will have a prestige property that has appreciated in value?
In summary I cannot defend the great majority of the objections of residents, but I do wonder if the sense of the application itself has been rather lost in the hype?
However, has anyone actually asked why is SSAFA buying a property in the second most expensive road in Ashtead? We are talking football star properties here. There is no public transport to Headley from there. If SSAFA have £2.1million to spend on property and the need is immediate, why not buy 6 one bedroom flats in the area. There are countless other properties for sale at much cheaper prices plus numerous properties to let in the area that make much more sense. Why not, for example, block book 6 family rooms at the local Travel Inn in Leatherhead or Epsom. Interest alone on the £2.1 million would pay for these rooms for the foreseeable future and there would be no long term commitment and housing cost. Travel Inn will not mind as they will have guaranteed income and bookings. In addition there would be no need to hire staff to manage the property, or hire other staff to maintain the property. It makes no sense to buy an overpriced house in a prestige road to fulfil a need that could be satisfied elsewhere, unless of course there is some sort of hidden agenda here?
In the meantime plans could be made to build additional family accommodation at Headley Court. Yes there would be planning difficulties as it is within the Green Belt, but this would be MOD land and surely they would hold sway over the DOE? Or is it that the MOD does not want to be saddled with an unusable building in the future when the need for accommodation hopefully diminishes but they will have a prestige property that has appreciated in value?
In summary I cannot defend the great majority of the objections of residents, but I do wonder if the sense of the application itself has been rather lost in the hype?
David Hobbs, Local says...
11:29pm Fri 20 Jul 07
Congratulations. No doubt you all felt very smug and self satisfied in stirring up so many identikit objections. But what were you objecting to?
The answer is the presence in your midst of a very small number of people who were there to support family members, some recovering from the most appalling injuries suffered in the course of serving their country.
You are a disgraceful bunch of narrow minded self interested bigots who deserve all the shame and ridicule heaped upon you. I would say that Ashtead has become a national and international laughing stock as a result of your pathetic efforts but there is nothing to laugh at here.
Go onto eBay and search on "Ashtead self respect". It is for sale, latest offer 30 pieces of silver
The answer is the presence in your midst of a very small number of people who were there to support family members, some recovering from the most appalling injuries suffered in the course of serving their country.
You are a disgraceful bunch of narrow minded self interested bigots who deserve all the shame and ridicule heaped upon you. I would say that Ashtead has become a national and international laughing stock as a result of your pathetic efforts but there is nothing to laugh at here.
Go onto eBay and search on "Ashtead self respect". It is for sale, latest offer 30 pieces of silver
Tim, scunthorpe says...
12:12am Sat 21 Jul 07
David of Ashstead.
You argument is sound. SSAFA is paying 1.7, whats 400,000 between friends. Your last point first. You are probably right so giving the job to SSAFA saves the MOD money.
I would imagine that they have looked at many sites and weighed them up. A peaceful location so that families can adjust to changes in private was probably one of the requirements and parking would be another. The use of Travel Lodge would be very impersonal and all you get is a room not a family setting which is important. Also having others around you who are going through similar problem would provide a support network to help recovery. Soldiers have lived with each other and are comfortable talking about problems with others who have the same frame of mind. Could they do this in a public place? By using hotels you are also open to the sort of incident we have seen in Selly Oaks where soldiers are accosted by aggressive people who are against the war. Having lost your legs would you react well to someone telling you, you deserved it?
SSAFA would have looked at this long and hard and learnt from similar facilities that the US army has in Germany and in the US.
You argument is sound. SSAFA is paying 1.7, whats 400,000 between friends. Your last point first. You are probably right so giving the job to SSAFA saves the MOD money.
I would imagine that they have looked at many sites and weighed them up. A peaceful location so that families can adjust to changes in private was probably one of the requirements and parking would be another. The use of Travel Lodge would be very impersonal and all you get is a room not a family setting which is important. Also having others around you who are going through similar problem would provide a support network to help recovery. Soldiers have lived with each other and are comfortable talking about problems with others who have the same frame of mind. Could they do this in a public place? By using hotels you are also open to the sort of incident we have seen in Selly Oaks where soldiers are accosted by aggressive people who are against the war. Having lost your legs would you react well to someone telling you, you deserved it?
SSAFA would have looked at this long and hard and learnt from similar facilities that the US army has in Germany and in the US.
John, Canada says...
12:13am Sat 21 Jul 07
David of Ashstead quite fairly asks why SSAFA are not buying 6 one bedroom flats in the area. The answer is simply clinicaly proven best practice; victims and families have the best chance to recover and rehabilitate when both are surrounded by like minded people who are having to deal with the same problems. SSAFA's planning application and consultation documents outline the reasons for the choice of this property which is the most suitable one immediately available in the area. It will provide a quiet residential location where families can give each other mutual support.
The suggestion that these families should be housed at Travelodge merely betrays an understandable ignorance of the circumstances - please think through the implications.
The reasons for not building at Headley Court include, but are not restricted to the time it would take to build; the co-location with Headley Court (which would prevent either families or recovering service personel from getting any respite from the hospital itself) and of course the restrictive covenants placed upon the use of the grounds of Headley Court (from which the MOD are not exempt).
David, you may well be right that emotions are running high (though the 'hype' began with baseless and hysterical objections), however, SSAFA's choice of location is not spurious and a look at the planning documentation should make this obvious.
The suggestion that these families should be housed at Travelodge merely betrays an understandable ignorance of the circumstances - please think through the implications.
The reasons for not building at Headley Court include, but are not restricted to the time it would take to build; the co-location with Headley Court (which would prevent either families or recovering service personel from getting any respite from the hospital itself) and of course the restrictive covenants placed upon the use of the grounds of Headley Court (from which the MOD are not exempt).
David, you may well be right that emotions are running high (though the 'hype' began with baseless and hysterical objections), however, SSAFA's choice of location is not spurious and a look at the planning documentation should make this obvious.
Joe Horner, Wales says...
12:23am Sat 21 Jul 07
David from Ashtead, thank you for supporting the appliction. You also asked why this property is so suitable compared with individual flats or hotels.
The simple answer to that is support. Particularly "first time" visitors are facing an unknown and daunting time, during which the ability to be near others in the same situation is a tremendous help. They simply won't have that if they're scattered around the area.
For anyone who wonders what benefits a place like this can bring, you can see from the American Army Fisher Houses at
http://www.armyfishe
rhouses.org/testsite
/index.html
Note that these are not only supported, they are actually built and donated by "The Wealthy". A stark contrast to this sorry affair.
The simple answer to that is support. Particularly "first time" visitors are facing an unknown and daunting time, during which the ability to be near others in the same situation is a tremendous help. They simply won't have that if they're scattered around the area.
For anyone who wonders what benefits a place like this can bring, you can see from the American Army Fisher Houses at
http://www.armyfishe
rhouses.org/testsite
/index.html
Note that these are not only supported, they are actually built and donated by "The Wealthy". A stark contrast to this sorry affair.
laura smith, germany says...
8:27am Sat 21 Jul 07
My husband is due to be deployed to Iraq tomorrow, and hopefully we will never need to use this place. The selfishness of these people is absolutely disgusting how can they call themselves human.
Jackie Sykes, Epsom says...
8:49am Sat 21 Jul 07
I am totally disgusted with the article I read this morning in The Guardian 'No Heroes in My Backyard'
The people of Ashtead who wrote letters objecting should be ashamed of themselves, because everyone else is ashamed of them.
These servicemen are good enough to fight for their country but not good enough to live next too!!
I hope these people never need the support of the Armed Forces, in whatever situation, to help them. As I for one would write a letter objecting!!!!!!!
Find a house somewhere else, the SSAFA do not want themselves mixing with this scum!
The people of Ashtead who wrote letters objecting should be ashamed of themselves, because everyone else is ashamed of them.
These servicemen are good enough to fight for their country but not good enough to live next too!!
I hope these people never need the support of the Armed Forces, in whatever situation, to help them. As I for one would write a letter objecting!!!!!!!
Find a house somewhere else, the SSAFA do not want themselves mixing with this scum!
Range_Gopher (ARRSE), In Germany with the noisy Armed Forces ! says...
4:49pm Sat 21 Jul 07
Ladies and Gents of Ashstead, next time there is a Fireman's Strike, a NOISY, SMELLY, LARGE, GREEN(or red!) VEHICLE deployed on "OP FRESCO" manned by the Girls and Lads of HM FORCES may have to drive down your street (although we hope not) in an effort to save your lives and believe it or not your property. Will you turn us away then claiming that we are noisy and dangerous and our vehicles are too wide? Shame on you! And then if we get injured for life in saving you, we're suddenly not fit to darken your door!Please give us your support, because when it comes to it, we are always there for you....please just think about it for a while before you vote on 01 August. (I bet the one with the biggest house who is currently complaining the most, will be screaming for us to get there as fast as possible to save his horse tack!)
Maggi Altham, you wouldn't believe how many of us salute you and the other people in your wonderful town like you. Thanks xx
Maggi Altham, you wouldn't believe how many of us salute you and the other people in your wonderful town like you. Thanks xx
sarah, grays lane says...
6:39pm Sat 21 Jul 07
people of ashstead who have conplained should be ashamed.
i feel that they have nerve conplaining when many of there children who are teenagers (young and older) and also young adaults are drug users (canibis,cokeain and others)and also adicted and this is true as a young person who lives in ashstead near the preposed house i no this as they are my friends and neighbours how do there parents have the right to conplain about heroric young and older amazing people.whos lives have been changed for ever for us!!!
i feel that they have nerve conplaining when many of there children who are teenagers (young and older) and also young adaults are drug users (canibis,cokeain and others)and also adicted and this is true as a young person who lives in ashstead near the preposed house i no this as they are my friends and neighbours how do there parents have the right to conplain about heroric young and older amazing people.whos lives have been changed for ever for us!!!
Alan Byers, Epsom says...
6:50pm Sat 21 Jul 07
The objectors should be outed. the letters to the planning office are publicly available and the public should send copies round. then the public could list the said people and I bet some of them are public fugures, directors of public companies or even state employees. The BBC or radio should go to their doorsteps and ask them why they take they awful attitude they do. They are an embarrassment and Epsom deserves more socially responsible residents. Their pettiness is wholly shameful and they should be told where to get off by the rest of us.
Ian Wilkins, Cambridge says...
7:42pm Sat 21 Jul 07
I agree with everything that has been said above but lets stop talking and start signing!
http://petitions.pm.
gov.uk/Headley/
http://petitions.pm.
gov.uk/Headley/
George Duncan, London says...
11:32pm Sat 21 Jul 07
I think the paper, hence everyone is getting confused. 1.7 M was the price for the new extention at Headley Court. I saw figures of 1.3 - 1.5M for the house. Anyway, I have found this poem written by a soldier after this whole sorry episode.
We have been out to Afganistan to fight the Taliban,
But some people down in Surrey dont seem to give a ****,
Cause when we come home wounded and need some loving care,
The sights of us and ours makes the locals start to swear.
For its bugger this and bugger that and soldiers stay away,
We like our houses as they are so keep them all away.
How can they get some sleep at night when they dont give a ****,
When all a wounded soldier wants is a visit from his mam,
For its bugger this and bugger that and soldiers stay away,
We dont want terrorist around here, so keep the troops away.
The message we have got for them,is they can go to hell,
If they dont want the troops round there,they can always sell,
For its bugger this and bugger that and soldiers stay away,
We dont want their familys visiting,even for a day.
Dont mock the men that guard you while your sleeping in your bed,
Cause one day it might be your son,lying there half dead.
And when you want to visit him,and the locals all protest,
You will see that none of them have medals on their chest,
Cause they are all civilians and can not understand,
Why the young men of this country go to fight the taliban.
So think again,you Surrey folk,about these brave young men,
And let their familys visit them and spend a little time,
For they have served their country,not commited any crime.
So its bugger you and your spouses,
Do you really think more of your houses?
Than the brave young men of this land,
Who only want a helping hand.
We have been out to Afganistan to fight the Taliban,
But some people down in Surrey dont seem to give a ****,
Cause when we come home wounded and need some loving care,
The sights of us and ours makes the locals start to swear.
For its bugger this and bugger that and soldiers stay away,
We like our houses as they are so keep them all away.
How can they get some sleep at night when they dont give a ****,
When all a wounded soldier wants is a visit from his mam,
For its bugger this and bugger that and soldiers stay away,
We dont want terrorist around here, so keep the troops away.
The message we have got for them,is they can go to hell,
If they dont want the troops round there,they can always sell,
For its bugger this and bugger that and soldiers stay away,
We dont want their familys visiting,even for a day.
Dont mock the men that guard you while your sleeping in your bed,
Cause one day it might be your son,lying there half dead.
And when you want to visit him,and the locals all protest,
You will see that none of them have medals on their chest,
Cause they are all civilians and can not understand,
Why the young men of this country go to fight the taliban.
So think again,you Surrey folk,about these brave young men,
And let their familys visit them and spend a little time,
For they have served their country,not commited any crime.
So its bugger you and your spouses,
Do you really think more of your houses?
Than the brave young men of this land,
Who only want a helping hand.
katie cole, germany says...
1:24pm Sun 22 Jul 07
Well i have to say that i cant believe what i am readin,my husband is in iraq at the moment and i wld hate to think that if something was to happend to him we wld have to travel every week or so just to see him and then leave. we have a 6 month old son and i wld like to ask these pll if they wld be up for watchin my son while i was with my husband!!!!!
safty...i think not if any thing they wld be more safe.
get a life and start to think why we are all still here and safe,mayb cos our husbands and wifes are fightin for you to be safe
IF YOU CANT STAND BEHINDE OUR TROOPS,STAND INFROUNT OF THEM!!!!! then you can comment
safty...i think not if any thing they wld be more safe.
get a life and start to think why we are all still here and safe,mayb cos our husbands and wifes are fightin for you to be safe
IF YOU CANT STAND BEHINDE OUR TROOPS,STAND INFROUNT OF THEM!!!!! then you can comment
john craig, mirfield west yorkshire says...
8:29am Mon 23 Jul 07
it's attitudes like this that make me sick to my stomach! All of those NIMBYs who are making a stand against this should be made to move from the area.....mind you any right minded person who knew who they were would start a petition to stop THEM moving next door!
Mike Bell, North Yorks(nr.Catterick) says...
9:19am Mon 23 Jul 07
Narrow minded bigots the lot,I am a ex-soldier from a long line of servicemen and women and have two sons serving at present,these people are beneath contempt.Let some of our @esteemed politicians show some backbone and get behind the SSAFA application,or perhaps some of them live in the area?
Mike Beck, nr Shoreham says...
10:06am Mon 23 Jul 07
The residents of Grays Lane are being very shortsighted. They have already benefited from the armed forces giving aid to their community - remember the last fire strike or even the one before it in 1977? If they do their gratitude is, in the form of their objections, quite shocking. Right now members of the armed forces are helping people similar to themselves in Gloucestershire and surrounding counties. What happens if those troops or airmen are injured and need the use of Headley Court. As one who has been injured in service some time ago, I would have liked to be able to benefit from close family support.
Sadly the attitude of these residents is not that remarkable. When residents were caught shooting out security lights at Combat Stress outside Leatherhead they got away with it because all the witnesses suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. There is something rotten in this part of Surrey and it shames everyone else in the process.
Sadly the attitude of these residents is not that remarkable. When residents were caught shooting out security lights at Combat Stress outside Leatherhead they got away with it because all the witnesses suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. There is something rotten in this part of Surrey and it shames everyone else in the process.
goldeneagle2, ARRSE says...
4:12pm Mon 23 Jul 07
Appeal to the famliys of the ashtead residents .
In my heart of hearts I sincerely hope these people are just normal families who have made a mistake and are going to support our troops. I mean when they are having a vist from there family, friends or just chatting on the phone to one of there colleagues the topic of our troops and there families are going to be hot topic and the children and grandchildren, friends and colleagues are going to get the parents and grandparents, friends and colleagues to change there mind .
I wish that everyone can live in harmony together where you have local people helping our troops and there families who wish to stay in the village doing a bit of voluntary work, just being there to listen to them, making them cups of tea, Acting like a mother or father etc giving love and support like it was one of your children or grandchildren.
Little things like this is so important ,Our soldiers and families need your love and support
please if any of the children or grandchildren ,friends and colleagues of the residents of Ashtead are reading this , you know who you are please bring this topic up while you are visiting the residents or just chatting on the phone or chatting on the computer
Our soldiers and there families need your love and support
_________________
In my heart of hearts I sincerely hope these people are just normal families who have made a mistake and are going to support our troops. I mean when they are having a vist from there family, friends or just chatting on the phone to one of there colleagues the topic of our troops and there families are going to be hot topic and the children and grandchildren, friends and colleagues are going to get the parents and grandparents, friends and colleagues to change there mind .
I wish that everyone can live in harmony together where you have local people helping our troops and there families who wish to stay in the village doing a bit of voluntary work, just being there to listen to them, making them cups of tea, Acting like a mother or father etc giving love and support like it was one of your children or grandchildren.
Little things like this is so important ,Our soldiers and families need your love and support
please if any of the children or grandchildren ,friends and colleagues of the residents of Ashtead are reading this , you know who you are please bring this topic up while you are visiting the residents or just chatting on the phone or chatting on the computer
Our soldiers and there families need your love and support
_________________
Steve Parkinson, Spain says...
12:26am Tue 24 Jul 07
From an ex-serviceman: Lets hope the old saying rings true and "What goes around, comes around" and that those toffy nosed good for nothings get there just deserves. I'm sure they we're all stupid enough not to think that anyone would bat an eyelid about their dispicable remarks.. it has already back fired on them as the nation is learning about their vile actions. Which may lead to them being threatend by someone that takes offence (and there appears to be many that have), which will lead to the area being less attractive to potential buyers, which will lead them to sell up at any cost, which means dropping the price, which would start a circle of events.... in the end all the properties will lose money... and the scum from Ashtead would never be able to hold their heads up in public again... I frankly think its a lot of money for a realatively small place. The money would be better spent else where, where they would be more welcomed. We are very friendly up north (I'm from Manchester) and for that sort of money you could buy half the town. Neighbours would bring round a cup of tea (not a solicitor asking you to move on!!!).
Richard, Surrey says...
9:54am Tue 24 Jul 07
The narrow mindedness demonstrated by the residents of Grays Lane is shocking. Whilst not wishing to jump on the band wagon I would like to make some valid comments having lived in the area two years ago. The majority of the properties in Grays Lane have two vehicles both of which will be driven to work or around the local area at least twice per day. Grays Lane is very close to the City of London Freemans school which has over 100 staff, several delivery lorries per day and a causes a vast increase in traffic during the end of term and other social events. I fail to see how one minibus travelling to and from Headly Court will turn Grays Road into the M25. Having read the objections on the MVDC website, I was amused to read that this planning application will increase traffic and endanger the children walking to and from the school - do the residents of Grays Road actually realise that the majority of the students at the Freeman's school live out of the area (and are driven to school) or board at the school? The SSAFA will pay maintenance fees of a level commesurate with the property size, just like the other residents of Grays Lane - there will be no inreased cost for the other residents. Likewise, there will be no increased noise (certainly no more that when the property was a Kindergarten - which did not receive such a deluge of biggoted comments when applying for planning permission). It will not cause any more refuse that the kindergarten or the cattery on Grays Lane. If the residents had not kicked up such a fuss, your average terrorist would never have heard of Grays Lane. These individuals paint Ashtead Village as some sleepy hollow, picture postcard village. It is not, it has a major route from South London to the M25 running through the centre of the town - a few more cars and visitors will not make a difference but unfortunately, no matter how much we (as servicemen and supporters) protest, the council will reject SSAFA unless the other residents of ASHTEAD and Mole Valley support this cause. I have used Headly Court for rehab after a Road Traffic Accident, the service they provide is invaluable but if the locals who would rarther have Headly Court as a Country Club where one could do lunch or have a spa, wish to live a secular life on a private estate then they would be best moving to a private island. I plead to the people of Ashtead who support this cause, to shame the residents of Grays Lane by voting for SSAFA at the council office. The residents of Grays Lane should have their letters printed off the MVDC website and handed out around Ashtead and Epsom so everyone knows how pathetic they are - they should hang their heads in shame - how utterly un-British of them!
Amy, Epsom says...
12:16pm Tue 24 Jul 07
The attitude of the opposing residents doesn't surprise me. Nimbys - particularly those with money - always shout the loudest
It is a shame that it takes something like this for the minority to get involved in their community.
Please - if you want your community, Ashtead or whereever else - to be a balanced place with sensible views and not run (like so many localities these days) by NIMBYs like those in Grays Lane, then get involved in your local community and use the vote and the voice you have to oppose NIMBYism.
Headley Court is a wonderful facility and sadly much needed. The support of family thru illness is vital for recovery. Ask those who struggle alone with illness how much easier it would be if they had family to support them - I speak as someone who is now alone with no family and has regular bouts of illness.
As for flats - I assume the disabled ramp proposed would also enable the serviceman to do stays with their family at the house in Grays Lane as part of their rehabilitation - a two way visiting process and certainly not something easily done in a flat or Travellodge
I support this application totally and if the Grays Lane residents don't like it I suggest they move to live alongside other false idols in Cobham area around the Chelsea football practice ground and leave this area for the majority of sensible caring people who want to disassociate themselves with the NIMBYs of Grays Lane and too many other similar groups of NIMBYs in this country.
NIMBYs are a factor in why so many modern houses have been built on floodplains. They couldn't build them anywhere else as the NIMBYs didn't want them in their backyard.
It is a shame that it takes something like this for the minority to get involved in their community.
Please - if you want your community, Ashtead or whereever else - to be a balanced place with sensible views and not run (like so many localities these days) by NIMBYs like those in Grays Lane, then get involved in your local community and use the vote and the voice you have to oppose NIMBYism.
Headley Court is a wonderful facility and sadly much needed. The support of family thru illness is vital for recovery. Ask those who struggle alone with illness how much easier it would be if they had family to support them - I speak as someone who is now alone with no family and has regular bouts of illness.
As for flats - I assume the disabled ramp proposed would also enable the serviceman to do stays with their family at the house in Grays Lane as part of their rehabilitation - a two way visiting process and certainly not something easily done in a flat or Travellodge
I support this application totally and if the Grays Lane residents don't like it I suggest they move to live alongside other false idols in Cobham area around the Chelsea football practice ground and leave this area for the majority of sensible caring people who want to disassociate themselves with the NIMBYs of Grays Lane and too many other similar groups of NIMBYs in this country.
NIMBYs are a factor in why so many modern houses have been built on floodplains. They couldn't build them anywhere else as the NIMBYs didn't want them in their backyard.
Chris, Eastleigh, Hants says...
1:23pm Tue 24 Jul 07
Well done David of Ashstead for backing the appliacation. I am an ex serviceman and know that these places are needed even more now that places like Haslar Military Hospital has closed. But what I fail to see is what does it matter where SAAFA built the houses, be it Ashstead or the middle of the Yorkshire moors! No matter where it is a much needed facility and is strongly supported as you can see by all the postings here.
These so called residents (David Excepted) should be ashamed of themselves in protesting about this. They are all upper class snobs who are more proud of their brick and mortar than they are of a world famous army who is trying to bring peace to the Middle East crisis. Laying down their lives in the pursuit of terrorists to protect these
"residential bigots".
They should be given a week or so in the war zones themselves.
For God's sake residents of Grays Lane get off your high horses and **** and do something worthwile for once in your lives!! A very irate ex soldier who has now seen the worse side of people in this subject.
Chris (Ex R Signbals)
These so called residents (David Excepted) should be ashamed of themselves in protesting about this. They are all upper class snobs who are more proud of their brick and mortar than they are of a world famous army who is trying to bring peace to the Middle East crisis. Laying down their lives in the pursuit of terrorists to protect these
"residential bigots".
They should be given a week or so in the war zones themselves.
For God's sake residents of Grays Lane get off your high horses and **** and do something worthwile for once in your lives!! A very irate ex soldier who has now seen the worse side of people in this subject.
Chris (Ex R Signbals)
Eldrich, Fetcham says...
2:31pm Tue 24 Jul 07
Whatever happened to the ingenious eBay auction? Did adminstrators pull the plug on Faustian bids for the self-respect of Ashtead?
Joe H, Wales says...
3:42pm Tue 24 Jul 07
Sems that EBay objected to the link to the Downing Street petition. It's against their listing policy.
Then again, I was under the impression that they rarely pick up on that sort of thing unless someone sends a complaint. Can't imagine who might complain about a link to here though...
http://petitions.pm.
gov.uk/Headley/
Then again, I was under the impression that they rarely pick up on that sort of thing unless someone sends a complaint. Can't imagine who might complain about a link to here though...
http://petitions.pm.
gov.uk/Headley/
goldeneagle2 (ARRSE), u.k. says...
5:35pm Tue 24 Jul 07
please sign the petation
http://petitions.pm.
gov.uk/Headley/
please,please residents of Grays Lane and your familys,friends and colleagues give our soldiers and there familys the support they so rightly deserve .
http://petitions.pm.
gov.uk/Headley/
please,please residents of Grays Lane and your familys,friends and colleagues give our soldiers and there familys the support they so rightly deserve .
Joe H, Wales says...
8:33pm Tue 24 Jul 07
Oh, nearly forgot. Feel free to take a look at
www.36grayslane.co.u
k/index.html
for more information :)
www.36grayslane.co.u
k/index.html
for more information :)
Antony Gray, Essex says...
10:15pm Tue 24 Jul 07
All Pigs are equal except that some Pigs are more equal than than other Pigs.Yes sadly George Orwells Pigs are everywhere these days. Troughing away in high places eg Government,Local Councils,Top of the armed forces (Slightly armed,'Peace Keeping Force' you know),MOD,All the Media, Business, etc. You seem to have hit a cluster of these Pigs in Grays Lane Maybe it should be renamed Piggery Lane would go well with the Cattery someone else mentioned, Best of luck with the Permission.
PS Species discrimination not intended.
PS Species discrimination not intended.
ARA, Mole Valley says...
11:58pm Tue 24 Jul 07
ASHTEAD RESIDENTSASSOCIATIO
N
Founded 1945
www.ashteadresidents
.org.uk
STATEMENT
Planning Application Re Millcroft, 36 Grays Lane, Ashtead
Application No: MO/2007/0863/CU
Ashtead Residents Association (ARA) has received a number of approaches voicing concern about the objections submitted in relation to this application and other comments reported in the press. The ARA has every sympathy with the concerns expressed to us, based upon these articles. At no stage have we or will we endorse some of the comments submitted by individual objectors and/or quoted in press articles.
In our experience Ashtead residents are proud of being associated with the work undertaken at Headley Court and are very supportive of our service personnel, their families and loved ones. It is a matter of great regret that the Ashtead Residents Association has erroneously been linked by recent press coverage with comments which have created a very different impression.
The Daily Mail article which appeared on July 16th was also inaccurate in at least one respect. Mr Webb is not Chairman of Ashtead Residents' Association and is not a spokesman for it. He is Chairman of Ashtead Park Estate Management Company Ltd, a company which represents the interests of residents in that part of the village.
ARA reviews each planning application for Ashtead and considers whether a comment is appropriate, based upon our constitutional aims and what is pertinent in the context of planning law. We also aim to take full account of the views of residents most immediately affected by any application.
The Committee members present at the meeting which discussed this application were unequivocally supportive of the purpose intended by SSAFA for this property. The request had however caused a higher level of local opposition than almost any in recent years. In accordance with our normal practice, we consequently considered that it would be appropriate to lodge a brief letter of objection but based solely upon planning considerations which MVDC Development Control Committee might consider relevant to its deliberations. (The full text is available on the MVDC website). Our letter noted our sympathy with and support for the purpose proposed for this property, as had other letters of objection.
We recognize that this planning application has become a matter of both local and national interest. We are pleased to receive comments on this and any other planning application.
Given these extraordinary circumstances, local residents may also wish to express their views on this application to locally elected representatives. Those with the greatest direct interest are:
1. Cllr Hunt mailto:cllr.hunt@mol
evalley.gov.uk (Conservative - Village Ward) who chairs the MVDC Development Control Committee
2. Cllr Davis mailto:cllr.davis@mo
levalley.gov.uk who submitted a personal objection (see MVDC website) and is the Conservative Councillor for Ashtead Park Ward, which includes Grays Lane.
3. The other Councillor for Ashtead Park Ward, Councillor Townsend (Ashtead Independent) mailto:cllr.townsend
@molevalley.gov.uk
4. Our MP Chris Grayling mailto:graylingc@par
liament.uk , who also lives close to the relevant property.
Paul Le Versha
Chairman
N
Founded 1945
www.ashteadresidents
.org.uk
STATEMENT
Planning Application Re Millcroft, 36 Grays Lane, Ashtead
Application No: MO/2007/0863/CU
Ashtead Residents Association (ARA) has received a number of approaches voicing concern about the objections submitted in relation to this application and other comments reported in the press. The ARA has every sympathy with the concerns expressed to us, based upon these articles. At no stage have we or will we endorse some of the comments submitted by individual objectors and/or quoted in press articles.
In our experience Ashtead residents are proud of being associated with the work undertaken at Headley Court and are very supportive of our service personnel, their families and loved ones. It is a matter of great regret that the Ashtead Residents Association has erroneously been linked by recent press coverage with comments which have created a very different impression.
The Daily Mail article which appeared on July 16th was also inaccurate in at least one respect. Mr Webb is not Chairman of Ashtead Residents' Association and is not a spokesman for it. He is Chairman of Ashtead Park Estate Management Company Ltd, a company which represents the interests of residents in that part of the village.
ARA reviews each planning application for Ashtead and considers whether a comment is appropriate, based upon our constitutional aims and what is pertinent in the context of planning law. We also aim to take full account of the views of residents most immediately affected by any application.
The Committee members present at the meeting which discussed this application were unequivocally supportive of the purpose intended by SSAFA for this property. The request had however caused a higher level of local opposition than almost any in recent years. In accordance with our normal practice, we consequently considered that it would be appropriate to lodge a brief letter of objection but based solely upon planning considerations which MVDC Development Control Committee might consider relevant to its deliberations. (The full text is available on the MVDC website). Our letter noted our sympathy with and support for the purpose proposed for this property, as had other letters of objection.
We recognize that this planning application has become a matter of both local and national interest. We are pleased to receive comments on this and any other planning application.
Given these extraordinary circumstances, local residents may also wish to express their views on this application to locally elected representatives. Those with the greatest direct interest are:
1. Cllr Hunt mailto:cllr.hunt@mol
evalley.gov.uk (Conservative - Village Ward) who chairs the MVDC Development Control Committee
2. Cllr Davis mailto:cllr.davis@mo
levalley.gov.uk who submitted a personal objection (see MVDC website) and is the Conservative Councillor for Ashtead Park Ward, which includes Grays Lane.
3. The other Councillor for Ashtead Park Ward, Councillor Townsend (Ashtead Independent) mailto:cllr.townsend
@molevalley.gov.uk
4. Our MP Chris Grayling mailto:graylingc@par
liament.uk , who also lives close to the relevant property.
Paul Le Versha
Chairman
Liz Hopkins, Tunbridge Wells says...
2:39pm Wed 25 Jul 07
Good Luck SSAFA. Love & Best wishes to all the Service Personnel who need to use this facility. I am proud of you. Remember, what goes around-comes around.
Nick Coulthard, Trowbridge says...
4:13pm Wed 25 Jul 07
Scandalous. Its Ok, but not in our back garden! Hypocrisy at its highest.
The facility is needed. The location is ideal. And so far all objections appear based on snobery.
I ask the residents of Ashtead- should you be unlucky enough to be affected by floods either at home or at your country retreats; please decline all offers of help by the service men and women out there serving the nation in yet another diverse role.
God bless our Armed Forces.
The facility is needed. The location is ideal. And so far all objections appear based on snobery.
I ask the residents of Ashtead- should you be unlucky enough to be affected by floods either at home or at your country retreats; please decline all offers of help by the service men and women out there serving the nation in yet another diverse role.
God bless our Armed Forces.
Eric O'Halloran, says...
5:29pm Wed 25 Jul 07
I'm ex-military and it is beyond belief that people can be as bigoted, small-minded and materialistic as the people protesting against the improvements to a dwelling that allows families to be close to Servicemen wounded protecting their liberty. I Googled Grays Lane and here is the link http://maps.google.c
o.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&
geocode=&q=Grays+Ln,
+Ashtead,+Surrey+KT2
1,+United+Kingdom&sl
l=54.162434,-3.64746
1&sspn=9.257455,20.4
3457&ie=UTF8&cd=1&mp
num=0&ll=51.3056,-0.
294914&spn=0.009645,
0.019956&t=h&z=16&om
=1. I am completely stunned how any one of the people in this area could possibly even hear traffic or their neighbours. You could have a full Brass Band marching up and down that Lane and I doubt anyone would hear it as each property has to be at least 100ft from the road. The road is wide enough for large trucks and even has a rounabout at the end to stop people turning around on the road or God forbid using the egress of someone's prcious property to turn. These people wouldn't have their multi-million pound properties if the Country was not protected by the Military. They can freely conduct their business to make more money and buy huge houses and bribe local councilmen simply because they have the liberty to do so because they have Armed Forces and Police protecting those very rights for them. I say bring back National Service and let them all understand what the Military is there for. Or even better, take the 100 people protesting to Headley Court to visit the very people that they are protesting against.
These people have never had it so good and should be bloody grateful that there is someone protecting their Ivory Towers.
I would like to personally thank each and every man & woman in uniform for their dedication & sacrifice. They are all true heroes in every sense of the word and I would like to challenge the residents of Grays Lane to pause and think where they would be without the Military protecting them.
o.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&
geocode=&q=Grays+Ln,
+Ashtead,+Surrey+KT2
1,+United+Kingdom&sl
l=54.162434,-3.64746
1&sspn=9.257455,20.4
3457&ie=UTF8&cd=1&mp
num=0&ll=51.3056,-0.
294914&spn=0.009645,
0.019956&t=h&z=16&om
=1. I am completely stunned how any one of the people in this area could possibly even hear traffic or their neighbours. You could have a full Brass Band marching up and down that Lane and I doubt anyone would hear it as each property has to be at least 100ft from the road. The road is wide enough for large trucks and even has a rounabout at the end to stop people turning around on the road or God forbid using the egress of someone's prcious property to turn. These people wouldn't have their multi-million pound properties if the Country was not protected by the Military. They can freely conduct their business to make more money and buy huge houses and bribe local councilmen simply because they have the liberty to do so because they have Armed Forces and Police protecting those very rights for them. I say bring back National Service and let them all understand what the Military is there for. Or even better, take the 100 people protesting to Headley Court to visit the very people that they are protesting against.
These people have never had it so good and should be bloody grateful that there is someone protecting their Ivory Towers.
I would like to personally thank each and every man & woman in uniform for their dedication & sacrifice. They are all true heroes in every sense of the word and I would like to challenge the residents of Grays Lane to pause and think where they would be without the Military protecting them.
goldeneagle2 (ARRSE), u.k. says...
5:53pm Wed 25 Jul 07
please if any of the children or grandchildren ,friends and colleagues of the residents of Ashtead are reading this , you know who you are please bring this topic up while you are visiting the residents or just chatting on the phone or chatting on the computer
Our soldiers and there families need your love and support
please start signing!
http://petitions.pm.
gov.uk/Headley/
Our soldiers and there families need your love and support
please start signing!
http://petitions.pm.
gov.uk/Headley/
Mark Thomas, Aberdeen says...
7:05pm Wed 25 Jul 07
Eric O'halloran wrote "You could have a full Brass Band marching up and down that Lane and I doubt anyone would hear it "
Probably best not to make suggestions like that the way this seems to be taking off!
Probably best not to make suggestions like that the way this seems to be taking off!
maggi altham, Ashtead says...
7:32pm Wed 25 Jul 07
Oh dear, Mr Paul Le Versha, no amount of wriggling will now get you out of a very sorry situation! In fact, your short-sightedness in opposing this application in the first place equals the collective width of your Association's mind. I just beg the rest of the country not to think all Ashtead residents are of the same despicable ilk as you and yours.
Maggi Altham
Maggi Altham
Geoff Lawrence, Ashtead says...
7:47pm Wed 25 Jul 07
As the architect behind the design of 36 Grays lane - which, incidentally, included two wheelchair ramps to which none of the residents objected - I would be extremely proud to know the property was going to be used for SSAFA's deserving cause . The objections raised by the Residents Association are totally beyond belief. To hear that they object to plans on the basis this will become 'business usage' when six other 'businesses' are already registered to private addresses in the Lane tells the rest of us all we need to know about these dreadful people.
Roy, Ashtead says...
8:41pm Wed 25 Jul 07
I live around the corner from this house. The Planning officer for the ARA needs to open his eyes a bit more. The 'lane' is not in the least bit narrow with wide verges and a typical two way road. There are far narrower roads in the area to which Mole Valley District Council and the ARA are significantly blind to.
I would foresee no cogestion; indeed that argument is fatuous and reflects poorly on Mr Bennett rather than the proposal.
I would foresee no cogestion; indeed that argument is fatuous and reflects poorly on Mr Bennett rather than the proposal.
Roger Peach - Ex-RAF, Bolton, Lancashire says...
12:00am Thu 26 Jul 07
I find it absolutely astounding that people are so selfish. I know that there is a difference between the North and South of England, but this is just too much. Nobody up North would treat their service personnel and their families with such outrageous disregard and disrespect. These are the people who have more money than common sense and decency and don't give a flying fig about anybody other than themselves.
The people of Ashstead should be ashamed of themselves.
I support SSAFA all the way. One way to resolve the problem would be to bulldoze the whole lane and then the residents wouldn't be able to complain, would they?
Roger
The people of Ashstead should be ashamed of themselves.
I support SSAFA all the way. One way to resolve the problem would be to bulldoze the whole lane and then the residents wouldn't be able to complain, would they?
Roger
Rob Hoole, Waterlooville, Hampshire says...
12:02am Thu 26 Jul 07
I greatly admire the locals of Ashtead who are supporting SSAFA's application but to the objectors I say, the eyes of the world are upon you. Someone has obviously led you up the garden path about the impact a dozen or so grieving relatives of injured service people will make to one house in your neighbourhood. They are normal decent people and all they seek is a quiet home from home from which to visit their shattered loved ones, and a place to rest their heads overnight in the company of others in the same boat. There is still time for you to retract your objections before the planning meeting on 1 Aug. Otherwise, I fear you will be regarded throughout the country, and indeed the world, as pariahs - Ashtead, the village that died of shame! Is that really what you want for yourselves and your properties? It's still not too late to redeem yourselves. I ask you to look to your consciences and take the decent course of action. Thank you.
Phil Bottomley, Grange over Sands, Cumbria says...
1:52am Thu 26 Jul 07
I think it is discusting that the residents of Ashtead should have grounds for objection to the proposed application for planning permission to the house for the familys of OUR injured forces. How they can hold their heads up high in the community and call themselves human. They should be totally ashamed of themselves. The boot would be on the other foot if it was THEIR Son or Daughter that had been injured whilst on active service.Our Armed Forces are out there doing a worth while and they should be respected. They are all 1st class citizens and should be treated as such. I wonder how many of these so called upstanding members of the community had their planning concents granted without a quibble ???? It isnt what you know , its who you know by the sounds of it. They need to get a life.
Dave, Leatherhead says...
2:11am Thu 26 Jul 07
Mr Le Versha,
Thank you for your helpful clarification of the differences between the ARA and APEM Co as there has been a lot of confusion coming from such a small group (APEM) pushing its views forward as if representing all the residents of Ashtead. This confusion isn't good for either ARA or any of the residents of Ashtead (or further afield as all of us in Surrey are being blighted by association at the moment) as it paints an unfair picture of the many decent people of Ashtead, especially those already supporting the application.
Your explanation of how the ARA works was enlightening ie that, notwithstanding any details, having received a number of very similar objections from APEM members (most of which seem to be lacking factual detail or have nothing to do with planning considerations) the ARA normal practice was to add a letter of objection on behalf of your many members.
However, as many local residents have now sent letters of support and issues such as the wider interest are now well known, the normal practice does not, in this particular case, guarantee that your submitted objection is warranted as it may only be representing the views of a very small minority of your members (APEM Co seems to constitute only about 2% or less of the ARA membership, judging by the figures on your website) against the wishes of a greater number. Have you been able to ascertain how many of your residents are in support of this application now that they are aware of it?
As you stated, your committee was "unequivocally supportive of the purpose intended by SSAFA for this property " and, according to your explanation, only added a letter of objection on the basis of the normal practice. Yet, as the normal practice is seen to be flawed for this particular case, surely the ARA input must be actively considered solely on the merits of this application rather than being based on a herd mentality?
This means that if ARA actively opposes this application for documented planning rules considerations, the already submitted letter of objection is representative of the ARA's stance. OR
There are no planning considerations particularly strongly in favour or opposition to the application (or the ARA chooses to take a passive or cautious approach given that it may currently be driven by a tiny minority of its members). In which case, the ARA would be presumably withdrawing its application. OR
The ARA considers the APEM objections invalid and/or sees the wider interests as sufficiently compelling in order to replace the letter of objection with a letter of support.
I have every confidence that the ARA will decide the case on the valid evidence and make the correct and justified decision (whatever that may be). But whether you leave, withdraw or replace your letter of objection, the ARA's actions can only be seen as an active decision now and will be widely viewed against the published stance of being "unequivocally supportive of the purpose intended by SSAFA for this property."
Thank you for your helpful clarification of the differences between the ARA and APEM Co as there has been a lot of confusion coming from such a small group (APEM) pushing its views forward as if representing all the residents of Ashtead. This confusion isn't good for either ARA or any of the residents of Ashtead (or further afield as all of us in Surrey are being blighted by association at the moment) as it paints an unfair picture of the many decent people of Ashtead, especially those already supporting the application.
Your explanation of how the ARA works was enlightening ie that, notwithstanding any details, having received a number of very similar objections from APEM members (most of which seem to be lacking factual detail or have nothing to do with planning considerations) the ARA normal practice was to add a letter of objection on behalf of your many members.
However, as many local residents have now sent letters of support and issues such as the wider interest are now well known, the normal practice does not, in this particular case, guarantee that your submitted objection is warranted as it may only be representing the views of a very small minority of your members (APEM Co seems to constitute only about 2% or less of the ARA membership, judging by the figures on your website) against the wishes of a greater number. Have you been able to ascertain how many of your residents are in support of this application now that they are aware of it?
As you stated, your committee was "unequivocally supportive of the purpose intended by SSAFA for this property " and, according to your explanation, only added a letter of objection on the basis of the normal practice. Yet, as the normal practice is seen to be flawed for this particular case, surely the ARA input must be actively considered solely on the merits of this application rather than being based on a herd mentality?
This means that if ARA actively opposes this application for documented planning rules considerations, the already submitted letter of objection is representative of the ARA's stance. OR
There are no planning considerations particularly strongly in favour or opposition to the application (or the ARA chooses to take a passive or cautious approach given that it may currently be driven by a tiny minority of its members). In which case, the ARA would be presumably withdrawing its application. OR
The ARA considers the APEM objections invalid and/or sees the wider interests as sufficiently compelling in order to replace the letter of objection with a letter of support.
I have every confidence that the ARA will decide the case on the valid evidence and make the correct and justified decision (whatever that may be). But whether you leave, withdraw or replace your letter of objection, the ARA's actions can only be seen as an active decision now and will be widely viewed against the published stance of being "unequivocally supportive of the purpose intended by SSAFA for this property."
meiklejohn, inverness says...
7:26am Thu 26 Jul 07
I am disgusted that I am a member of the same human race as these residents
James Sinton, Yorkshire says...
8:30am Thu 26 Jul 07
As a serviceman decorated for bravery in the Middle East who was then seriously injured 2 years later when back out on my 2nd tour and an ex inmate of Headley Court I feel well able to comment. My parents/girlfriend used to commute from an aunties house in North London as they could not really afford Hotels in the local area. As the objectors refuel their SUV's & Lexus cars I ask you to pause for 5 seconds whilst at the petrol pump at Tesco/Sainsburys/Tex
aco. One of the reasons we have fuel here is that we are defending and keeping the oil coming out of Iraq. If it was not for the coalition forces there would be a severe strain on fuel in the west. All of us servicmen are volunteers and proud to serve protect and defend everyone in the UK even the residents of Grays Lane. All we ask is for a single residence to be used a 'home to help heal hurt souls' . We have amputees and young men and women who need the love and care of their families to help them in their darkest hour. Familes help promote recovery and are need by our injured armed forces. The odd minbus is absolutely negligible compared to the sacrifice they and their families have made. Anywhere else in the UK would be proud and support this. Volunteers would help in the garden and the local schools & churches would adopt this and embrace these folk and thank them for their contribution. To that end I look you objectors in the eye and ask that you quietly reconsider your actions. Discus it with your family and work colleagues and look at the big picture. I pray that no residents of Grays Lane ever have to see their loved ones injured on Ops overseas and would have to stay in a similar residence up in Selly Oak, Birmingham. Would there be the same NIMBYism up there ? The hand of friendship & peace has been offered to you guys in Ashtead.
aco. One of the reasons we have fuel here is that we are defending and keeping the oil coming out of Iraq. If it was not for the coalition forces there would be a severe strain on fuel in the west. All of us servicmen are volunteers and proud to serve protect and defend everyone in the UK even the residents of Grays Lane. All we ask is for a single residence to be used a 'home to help heal hurt souls' . We have amputees and young men and women who need the love and care of their families to help them in their darkest hour. Familes help promote recovery and are need by our injured armed forces. The odd minbus is absolutely negligible compared to the sacrifice they and their families have made. Anywhere else in the UK would be proud and support this. Volunteers would help in the garden and the local schools & churches would adopt this and embrace these folk and thank them for their contribution. To that end I look you objectors in the eye and ask that you quietly reconsider your actions. Discus it with your family and work colleagues and look at the big picture. I pray that no residents of Grays Lane ever have to see their loved ones injured on Ops overseas and would have to stay in a similar residence up in Selly Oak, Birmingham. Would there be the same NIMBYism up there ? The hand of friendship & peace has been offered to you guys in Ashtead.
Ian Nixey (Major, retd), Marlow, bucks says...
9:16am Thu 26 Jul 07
What planet are the neighbours living on? It is the willingness of soldiers to make such sacrifices that enables them to go on enjoying a priviledged lifestyle. Get a life! Would you prefer El Quaida next door?
Mandy Jepson, York says...
9:25am Thu 26 Jul 07
My husband is an ex serviceman, and is also an amputee (not the result of active service I hasten to add). I currently have a son and daughter serving in the Armed Forces who have thankfully have both come back from operations save and sound. When my husband had his amputation which is a shock for anyone to lose a limb, he needed the care and love of his family around him to deal with such a traumatic event. Residents of Ashtead please take time to think how you would feel if some horrific injury happended to one of your own how would you feel if people obejcted to you been close to your love one!!!
Myles, Sussex says...
9:55am Thu 26 Jul 07
I'm pleased to see that some of the residents of Grays Lane have added their points of view to this site. In answer to David of Ashtead, in respect of his comments as to why SSAFA would consider a quiet, beautiful and peaceful place in Grays Lane to house the families of injured servicemen and women, it strikes me as fairly obvious. Consider the situation the families find themselves in when their loved ones are injured and in Headley Court. Many of them will be beside themselves with worry, fear, grief and more; many of them will have to travel a long way to spend time with their loved ones, and will want to stick around for as much as they can. Consider also what sort of environment would best help the families in dealing with their greif? Would they deal with it better in a small apartment, on their own? Would they deal with their grief better sitting in a restaurant to eat in some hotel? I personally think not. They need to be in such peaceful surroundings, away from the public, and with people who are sympathetic or dealing with the same issues. Grays Lane, for all that it is expensive, sounds like the best option by far, as the families can get some peace and quiet, they are no observed in their grief by the general public, they are near to Headley Court and they can focus entirely on what they need to without worrying about why people are staring at them whilst they come to terms in whatever manner is fit at the time, worrying about whether they will be able to manage to go to the restaurant with others, not being able to talk to anyone when they need to most because they are not in the building. The list goes on.
As SSAFA has so rightly pointed out, the families are not there to party, to make noise, to clog the roads up commuting to work every day, or to go around offering to tarmac drives.
I have it in mind that the Grays Lane residence will be a great deal less obtrusive than a church congregation on Sunday.
As SSAFA has so rightly pointed out, the families are not there to party, to make noise, to clog the roads up commuting to work every day, or to go around offering to tarmac drives.
I have it in mind that the Grays Lane residence will be a great deal less obtrusive than a church congregation on Sunday.
Philip Shepherd, Lancaster says...
10:30am Thu 26 Jul 07
I still find it very hard to take in, after reading reasons for complaint again and again why are privalaged wealthy residents so selfish. Money realy does affect the way your heart works. These servicemembers have given more in the last few years than the whole of these complaining residents bank balences put together. if this was the spirit during ww2 we would not be a nation to be proud of I only hope the council will listen to the many and not the few on this matter and grant these hero's so dignaty. this is the exact reason the numbers of sign ups to the services are dropping year on year because we as a nation take them for granted and its about time we stopped and gave them credit for the services given in wartime and in peace they will always be there for us and I do mean all of us
A R Adams, Cornwall says...
5:46pm Thu 26 Jul 07
I am a retired serviceman and former patient at Headly Court.Todays soldiers are facing tremendous opposition not only from our enemies abroad but it would seem from some at home as well. We owe it to them that when in care we look to the whole family not just the serviceman or woman. We should be a caring nation that respects those who give so much but seem to get so little. Has Headly Court ever been a problem to the local community?
PA Burgess, Garstang, Lancs says...
5:49pm Thu 26 Jul 07
I am a serving servicewoman who, has many friends in Afghanistan at the moment and should they or I be injured and need rehab would be far from our loved ones in Lancashire when we need them most. All I can say is shame on these residents of Ashtead
JL Headley, Coningsby, Lincs says...
10:04pm Thu 26 Jul 07
Having completed 2 gulfs tours and 1 tour of Afghanistan to date I consider myself immensely fortunate not to require the services of the wonderful centre at Headley Court. However, if I were unfortunate enough to be injured whilst serving my country in such a manner that required such a stay I would hope and pray that my parents and loved ones would be able to find peace and solace in a place such as 36 Grays Lane and comfort from those other loved ones trying to come to terms with a similar situation. As previously stated, not all loved ones are local to the area and many are unable to afford hotel stays in what is a relatively expensive area of the country.
It makes my blood boil to believe that the objectors are only free to voice their opinions because of sacrifices made by my forebears. Quite frankly they make me ashamed to be British.
It makes my blood boil to believe that the objectors are only free to voice their opinions because of sacrifices made by my forebears. Quite frankly they make me ashamed to be British.
Rob McCarthy, Woking says...
11:00pm Thu 26 Jul 07
The residents of Grays Lane make me utterly ashamed to be British. If they would only put themselves in these families' shoes, would they not want somewhere close to their loved ones in their hour of need?
I am trying extremely hard to moderate my language about how I feel toward their narrow-minded pettiness. I can honestly say that I have never heard anything that has made my blood boil more than this in my entire life.
I am trying extremely hard to moderate my language about how I feel toward their narrow-minded pettiness. I can honestly say that I have never heard anything that has made my blood boil more than this in my entire life.
goldeneagle2 (ARRSE), u.k. says...
1:40pm Fri 27 Jul 07
Our plea to everyone please help with our campaign http://www.arrse.co.
uk
Please,Please Residents of Ashtead we want everyone to unite with SSAFA aND MAKE THIS POSSIBLE FOR OUR FAMILYS OF OUR SOLDIERS TO LIVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY AND RECIEVE YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT
uk
Please,Please Residents of Ashtead we want everyone to unite with SSAFA aND MAKE THIS POSSIBLE FOR OUR FAMILYS OF OUR SOLDIERS TO LIVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY AND RECIEVE YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT
AShtead Resident, Ashtead says...
2:30pm Fri 27 Jul 07
As an Ashtead resident living not too far away from Grays Lane I find it interesting that the local Conservatives have jumped on this bandwagon with a leaflet through my door. However, the Leaflet FAILS to mention that Cllr Davis (Conservative) who lives in Grays Lane has put in his OWN objections. It semms that our local Conservative Councillor is the biggest NIMBY and hypocrit of all.
Joe, Wales says...
6:29pm Fri 27 Jul 07
"Ashtead Resident", perhaps he's got more information now about what the proposal really means and has revised his opinion. In which case he should be congratulated for not closing his mind to reasoned debate :)
Henry, Sutton says...
8:09pm Fri 27 Jul 07
It is alleged that a Conservative Councillor, who lives in Grays Lane and who's name I know and would not wish to divulge, has registered himself as an objector to the SAFFA change of use at No. 36. If that is true it is downright blatantly wrong.
I trust that he is NOTHING to do with the planning committee because it would be against the law, as I understand it, for him NOT to declare himself unable to participate in the deliberations or to make and attempt to influence the outcome.
It does seem that the level of support is irresistable and it is to be hoped that the NIMBY's will fall at the dirst fence. If they don't they cannot object again at any appeal and the next fence is a two bar fence with the word SSAFA between.
What an utterly selfish lot.
I trust that he is NOTHING to do with the planning committee because it would be against the law, as I understand it, for him NOT to declare himself unable to participate in the deliberations or to make and attempt to influence the outcome.
It does seem that the level of support is irresistable and it is to be hoped that the NIMBY's will fall at the dirst fence. If they don't they cannot object again at any appeal and the next fence is a two bar fence with the word SSAFA between.
What an utterly selfish lot.
O Binladen, Croydon says...
8:30pm Fri 27 Jul 07
Ian Nixey (Major, retd) wrote:With reference to Major Nixey's post, I would like to publicly distance myself from any association with the dispicable residents of Ashtead in Surrey.
What planet are the neighbours living on? It is the willingness of soldiers to make such sacrifices that enables them to go on enjoying a priviledged lifestyle. Get a life! Would you prefer El Quaida next door?
Osama.
Mark 'Fuming', Ashtead says...
11:14pm Fri 27 Jul 07
Paul Le Versha,
I am an Ashtead resident who is one of the 40% that ARA does NOT claim to represent - thankfully!!!
Your (ARA) original letter of objection to MVDC clearly indicates a sublime lack of understanding of what SSAFA intends to do with Millcroft or, and the more likely of the two possibilities, you have chosen to represent the selfish interests of just a handful of your (influential) members at the expense of the wider Ashtead community. Can you REALLY justify your claim that Grays Lane "would not be suitable for the additional traffic likely to be generated" and that "a precedent" would be set regarding conversions? It is nothing more than uneducated and blatant scaremongery.
You (ARA) have willingly been part of a campaign that is now bringing shame upon our community.
If you, and the ARA committee have any morals, you will instruct MVDC to withdraw your letter of objection and publically announce your full and unreserved approval of the SSAFA application.
There again, I guess this is far too much to expect. Just how will you be able to look your golfing partners and collegues at the Conservative club in the eyes?
I will be at the MVDC committee meeting on Wednesday offering my full support to SSAFA.
Yours,
Fuming in Ashtead
I am an Ashtead resident who is one of the 40% that ARA does NOT claim to represent - thankfully!!!
Your (ARA) original letter of objection to MVDC clearly indicates a sublime lack of understanding of what SSAFA intends to do with Millcroft or, and the more likely of the two possibilities, you have chosen to represent the selfish interests of just a handful of your (influential) members at the expense of the wider Ashtead community. Can you REALLY justify your claim that Grays Lane "would not be suitable for the additional traffic likely to be generated" and that "a precedent" would be set regarding conversions? It is nothing more than uneducated and blatant scaremongery.
You (ARA) have willingly been part of a campaign that is now bringing shame upon our community.
If you, and the ARA committee have any morals, you will instruct MVDC to withdraw your letter of objection and publically announce your full and unreserved approval of the SSAFA application.
There again, I guess this is far too much to expect. Just how will you be able to look your golfing partners and collegues at the Conservative club in the eyes?
I will be at the MVDC committee meeting on Wednesday offering my full support to SSAFA.
Yours,
Fuming in Ashtead
Subb Sonic, Ingelstan says...
9:44am Sat 28 Jul 07
David wrote:David
Let\'s ignore the hype for the moment about war heroes etc. I have the utmost respect for these brave wounded service men and women and Headley Court does a superb job. I cannot begin to imagine the distress the injuries cause to individuals and families. I too think the majority of the objections are indefensible and I have written in support the application. Increased risk of terrorism indeed - what rubbish! However, has anyone actually asked why is SSAFA buying a property in the second most expensive road in Ashtead? We are talking football star properties here. There is no public transport to Headley from there. If SSAFA have £2.1million to spend on property and the need is immediate, why not buy 6 one bedroom flats in the area. There are countless other properties for sale at much cheaper prices plus numerous properties to let in the area that make much more sense. Why not, for example, block book 6 family rooms at the local Travel Inn in Leatherhead or Epsom. Interest alone on the £2.1 million would pay for these rooms for the foreseeable future and there would be no long term commitment and housing cost. Travel Inn will not mind as they will have guaranteed income and bookings. In addition there would be no need to hire staff to manage the property, or hire other staff to maintain the property. It makes no sense to buy an overpriced house in a prestige road to fulfil a need that could be satisfied elsewhere, unless of course there is some sort of hidden agenda here? In the meantime plans could be made to build additional family accommodation at Headley Court. Yes there would be planning difficulties as it is within the Green Belt, but this would be MOD land and surely they would hold sway over the DOE? Or is it that the MOD does not want to be saddled with an unusable building in the future when the need for accommodation hopefully diminishes but they will have a prestige property that has appreciated in value? In summary I cannot defend the great majority of the objections of residents, but I do wonder if the sense of the application itself has been rather lost in the hype?
If you had ever stayed the night in a Travel Inn you would know that the chances of coming out in the morning and finding at least one car with a broken window, would hertainly be in the higher order of probability.
You are right, there would be planning problems with building on green belt land. Meanwhile, servicemen and women continue to get killed and injuerd on a daily basis. IMHO the needs of those casualties and the needs of their families are, arguably, more pressing. When someone gets injured in a war, the families become casualties as well.
Ashtead may be fortunate to have no drugs problem. From the perspective of the rest of society I might remind you that over 80% of the narcotics coming into UK come from Afghanistan.
subb sonic, Ingelstan says...
10:03am Sat 28 Jul 07
36 Grays Lane was a Motessori Nursery for a number of years. There would have been an amount of traffic there each working day at the morning and evening peak periods.
Why has it suddenly become unacceptable, for an increase in traffic on the road. some of the picture of the street posted by cargoman from Pprune clearly show 3 and 4 cars and SUVs at a number of the houses there. Perhaps the residents themelves should perhaps examine their own transport and environmental policies as part of their "community comittment" ??
Why has it suddenly become unacceptable, for an increase in traffic on the road. some of the picture of the street posted by cargoman from Pprune clearly show 3 and 4 cars and SUVs at a number of the houses there. Perhaps the residents themelves should perhaps examine their own transport and environmental policies as part of their "community comittment" ??
Susan Smith, USA says...
3:51pm Sat 28 Jul 07
This story is very disturbing, that people in the UK, would react to housing for the brave young men and women who are fighting for your freedom, the Soldiers and families need a place to stay, not only to be with thier loved ones, but also for the moral support of other families in this situation.
The Ashstead House is a wonderful idea, and is needed.
Va USA
The Ashstead House is a wonderful idea, and is needed.
Va USA
Michael, Leatherhead says...
6:38pm Sat 28 Jul 07
DMRE staff work near-miracles with their patients, whose families show enormous courage in the face of terrible adversity. Having lived nearby for the last twenty years or so and driving past Headley Court at least four times a day, I thank Almighty God each time that neither of my sons are lying in there, having been attacked in Afghanistan or blown up in Basra. Our problems are utterly inconsequential by comparison. The disgraceful NIMBYs of Ashtead who object to the 36 Grays Lane project show a pettiness and lack of moral backbone that insults the very concept of being British. The families of our gallant and dedicated service personnel need and deserve our unreserved and wholehearted support: hopefully, my own forthright letter to Mole Valley District Council on the subject may be grist to the mill...
"Pro Regina, lege et grege"
"Pro Regina, lege et grege"
Ron Smith, ex Royal Signals, Manchester says...
9:16pm Sat 28 Jul 07
Whilst I understand the desire of any homeowner to protect his/her property and surrounding area, some of the comments made against service personnel have been extreme, calling them trailer park trash, and implying that they are incapable of conducting themselves in a respectable manner.
I would invite any who despise our servicemen to such a degree to fly out to Basra or the Helmand province and replace one of our lads or lasses on the front line, before their perceived lack of decorum embarrasses us as a nation.
Many Ashstead residents, presumably those not blinded by Mammon, are sympathetic to the application. The NIMBYs of Grays Lane have shamed themselves before their neighbours, the country and now the world.
I would invite any who despise our servicemen to such a degree to fly out to Basra or the Helmand province and replace one of our lads or lasses on the front line, before their perceived lack of decorum embarrasses us as a nation.
Many Ashstead residents, presumably those not blinded by Mammon, are sympathetic to the application. The NIMBYs of Grays Lane have shamed themselves before their neighbours, the country and now the world.
Tony and Christine Grove, Cheshire says...
1:29pm Sun 29 Jul 07
It's depressing to know how heartless and selfish (as well as irrational) some people can be. The objections from the Lord and Lady Mucks of Grays Lane prove that the more money people have, the less compassion they will show to their fellow human beings. Would they turn down help from Service personnel if they were affected by a disaster, such as the recent floods? I doubt it - they would probably be the first to complain if they didn't receive preferential treatment. Selfishness on this scale just beggars belief. They should realise that having money and property does not make them better than anyone else.
Phil Hughes ex RN, France says...
4:24pm Sun 29 Jul 07
The good residents would not object if it was being used by a film star or say a polo club but it seems they are worried about property de-valuation more than others things. Service and ex Service people like my selves have often experienced this bigotry it never goes away!
Dsigusted
Dsigusted
Domasion, W.G.C . Herts, England says...
6:04pm Sun 29 Jul 07
Name and shame them.
Mike Thie, London says...
9:13am Mon 30 Jul 07
Are there not laws concerning the giving of aid and succour to the enemy, and may they not cover provision of propaganda material to that enemy or the continuation of attacks on the well being of members of the security services and their families in their own country? I thought I had a legal obligation if not to support, at least not to hinder the security services.
Im sure one would never get a conviction, but making some people justify their actions in public is sometimes sufficient.
Im sure one would never get a conviction, but making some people justify their actions in public is sometimes sufficient.
Jan, Warwickshire says...
1:07pm Mon 30 Jul 07
It seems snobbish attitude towards service personnel hasn't changed since Kipling wrote 'Tommy':
"For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Chuck him out, the brute!"
But it's "Saviour of 'is country," when the guns begin to shoot;"
These arrogant snobs are saying that anyone with a family member of an age to be called up in an emergency isn't worthy to live near them.
Shame upon you all.
"For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Chuck him out, the brute!"
But it's "Saviour of 'is country," when the guns begin to shoot;"
These arrogant snobs are saying that anyone with a family member of an age to be called up in an emergency isn't worthy to live near them.
Shame upon you all.
raj, london says...
6:56pm Mon 30 Jul 07
i am a medic in the army, and i know what good work goes on at headley court. i can't believe british people think so little of their own armed forces - the people that made these comments should be ashamed of themselves. good luck SSAFA
quote
Beyond Belief, Surrey says...
11:30pm Mon 30 Jul 07
If this weren't so tragic this would be laughable. These people should have their names printed on the front page of every national newspaper. They are a disgrace to humanity in general and Great Britain in particular. I hope they all burn in Hell.
sal ibn hari, Croydon says...
8:15am Tue 31 Jul 07
I am ex-RGJ and another ARRSER and would be honoured to have recuperating servicemen living next door to me.
These snobs should be ashamed of themselves for this ridiculous stance.
There is no one that does not have a debt to service personnel.
Are the snobby scum Brits - because they don't deserve to be!
These snobs should be ashamed of themselves for this ridiculous stance.
There is no one that does not have a debt to service personnel.
Are the snobby scum Brits - because they don't deserve to be!
Trevor Jones, Colchester says...
4:36pm Tue 31 Jul 07
The people of Ashtead who see fit to use trivial arguments to bolster their objections to this residential facility are beyond contempt and unworthy of further comment. I wish the SSAFA success in their application for this and I hope it brings comfort to those brave servicemen/women and their families who are unfortunate enough to have to use it.
Judith, ex Ashtead resident says...
9:02am Wed 1 Aug 07
As a former resident of Ashtead I am deeply ashamed by the reaction of some of the present residents of Grays Lane. In the village I now live in we would be proud to have an accommodation house for the families of the injured servicemen. I wonder how many Grays Lane resident or their families has ever served in the Armed Forces.
S. Downie, Ewell says...
9:25am Wed 1 Aug 07
Sometimes I am ashamed to be English, and this is one of those occasions. I have just reread Kiplings "Hurrah for the life of a soldier" and it seems that somethings never change, especialy it seems, in Headley.
Redinjun, Wiltshire says...
12:33pm Wed 1 Aug 07
Growing up in Surrey I remember such a strong level of support for our Armed forces, such that when I took the shilling and joined the Army I was met with praise, and well wishing from friends and neighbours, invited to speak at my old school, and bombarded with letters and welfare parcels whilst on Operations in the Gulf. I hope that this attitude still exists, and genuinely believe in the majority that it does. Those people, who I pray are a small minority, who feel that they are "above" those men and women who are willing to risk the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country should think very carefully about what they say in public. These objections are now a matter of public record. I genuinely hoipe that those people never need help, or assistance in their lives. Compassion is not an old fashioned habit, and no matter what your political views, one should always respect and cherish those willing to sacrifice on your behalf .
People of Surrey, I, as a serving officer, thank you for the support the vast majority of you have shown. To the NIMBYs of Ashtead, I have very little to say to you, except I hope you can still look at yourself in the mirror. Remember the lost souls that allow you to enjoy your trappings of wealth, and are willing to protect your "quiet, leafy lane".
People of Surrey, I, as a serving officer, thank you for the support the vast majority of you have shown. To the NIMBYs of Ashtead, I have very little to say to you, except I hope you can still look at yourself in the mirror. Remember the lost souls that allow you to enjoy your trappings of wealth, and are willing to protect your "quiet, leafy lane".
Graham Earl, London says...
1:20pm Wed 1 Aug 07
I vote that on the next fire service strike members of HMF do not attend calls to Gray's Lane.
Parachick italic
Parachick italic
Frances Watkins, West Sussex says...
3:05pm Wed 1 Aug 07
I am appaled that people can be so snobbish. I am sure that their cars on the school run cause more traffic congestion. And if their houses are worth the millions they seem to think they are, I doubt if they are close enough to catch fire from each other. How many of these householders actually think of anybody but themselves. They make me VERY ashamed to be English.
Diplomat, ARRSE says...
9:47pm Wed 1 Aug 07
UPDATE
MVDC voted 17 - 0 in support of the SSAFA application.
The objectors chose NOT to speak in public against the application!
Many thanks to the right minded residents of Ashford and wider for their support, and please make the families who use the residence welcome. They are going through quite a lot!
MVDC voted 17 - 0 in support of the SSAFA application.
The objectors chose NOT to speak in public against the application!
Many thanks to the right minded residents of Ashford and wider for their support, and please make the families who use the residence welcome. They are going through quite a lot!
Kenza, says...
1:05pm Thu 2 Aug 07
I wonder how the 'Objectors of Grays Lane' feel today? No doubt they will be persuading themselves that the 17-0 decision in favour of SSAFA was due to public pressure when in reality it was the only decision that could have been reached based on Planning Legislation. That's why it was a unanimous vote. Well done to the councillors!
I read somewhere that the £1.8m for which Grays Lane will now be sold was the highest price a house in that area had ever achieved. I suspect that that will remain the case for quite some time to come. Who in their right mind would ever want to live next to such self-serving and selfish neighbours? I can't help smile at the irony of how they appear to have 'shot themselves in the foot'! Is there an estate agent out there willing to guess the percentage by which houses in the Grays Lane and Ralliwood area have dropped during the last two weeks? I guess not... that's another debate.
Well done SSAFA and to Sue and Chris who have campaigned so hard to bring understanding and acceptance of this new facility. Congratulations, the hard work has paid off!
I read somewhere that the £1.8m for which Grays Lane will now be sold was the highest price a house in that area had ever achieved. I suspect that that will remain the case for quite some time to come. Who in their right mind would ever want to live next to such self-serving and selfish neighbours? I can't help smile at the irony of how they appear to have 'shot themselves in the foot'! Is there an estate agent out there willing to guess the percentage by which houses in the Grays Lane and Ralliwood area have dropped during the last two weeks? I guess not... that's another debate.
Well done SSAFA and to Sue and Chris who have campaigned so hard to bring understanding and acceptance of this new facility. Congratulations, the hard work has paid off!
surreyman, says...
1:58pm Thu 2 Aug 07
A great and heartening result. Much credit to those who fought for the cause. Much to reflect on for those who opposed it:
Dear Mr 58 year old oil executive,
Its hard to fathom why you and others, who have clearly benefited from life in the U.K, should object to a charitys purchase of a house in your Ashtead neighbourhood to assist families visiting servicemen and women who are at Headley Court recuperating from devastating injury.
Could it be that you cant quite grasp the hazards that these individuals willingly face, and the sacrifices that they have made in the service of your country ? Do you not appreciate that these are the same people who would put their lives on the line to defend you and your privileged way of life in time of need ? Im sure they could arrange to take you out on patrol in Afghanistan or Iraq, if this would help you understand what they do and the risks they run. Come on Mr. oil executive, why dont you try it ?
As Chief Executive of the UK Offshore Oil and Gas Industry Association you must have an interest in representing the values of good corporate citizenship. Im sure the members of your association, Shell, BP, ExxonMobil etc., aim to be good corporate citizens, and have similar expectations of you. As a corporate leader, should you not be promoting a cause such as this rather than actively frustrating it ? Can your member organisations be entirely happy that you - albeit in your domestic sphere, but still the same individual paid to represent them are seen to display such a poor example of good citizenship ? Come on Mr. oil executive, why dont you make a personal donation to this excellent charity ? Why dont you encourage your members to do the same ?
If you had a son or daughter who had suffered horrifying injury while serving their country, would you not welcome such a facility as that proposed if it enabled you to visit them ? Come on Mr. oil executive, embrace this opportunity. Campaign for the charity and for Headley Court. Encourage your fellow protestors to do the same, and make the families of these brave servicemen and women welcome in Ashtead.
Dear Mr 58 year old oil executive,
Its hard to fathom why you and others, who have clearly benefited from life in the U.K, should object to a charitys purchase of a house in your Ashtead neighbourhood to assist families visiting servicemen and women who are at Headley Court recuperating from devastating injury.
Could it be that you cant quite grasp the hazards that these individuals willingly face, and the sacrifices that they have made in the service of your country ? Do you not appreciate that these are the same people who would put their lives on the line to defend you and your privileged way of life in time of need ? Im sure they could arrange to take you out on patrol in Afghanistan or Iraq, if this would help you understand what they do and the risks they run. Come on Mr. oil executive, why dont you try it ?
As Chief Executive of the UK Offshore Oil and Gas Industry Association you must have an interest in representing the values of good corporate citizenship. Im sure the members of your association, Shell, BP, ExxonMobil etc., aim to be good corporate citizens, and have similar expectations of you. As a corporate leader, should you not be promoting a cause such as this rather than actively frustrating it ? Can your member organisations be entirely happy that you - albeit in your domestic sphere, but still the same individual paid to represent them are seen to display such a poor example of good citizenship ? Come on Mr. oil executive, why dont you make a personal donation to this excellent charity ? Why dont you encourage your members to do the same ?
If you had a son or daughter who had suffered horrifying injury while serving their country, would you not welcome such a facility as that proposed if it enabled you to visit them ? Come on Mr. oil executive, embrace this opportunity. Campaign for the charity and for Headley Court. Encourage your fellow protestors to do the same, and make the families of these brave servicemen and women welcome in Ashtead.
Steve Cross, Salisbury says...
9:47am Mon 6 Aug 07
David wrote:I think you may have missed the point completely about the need for this house.
Let's ignore the hype for the moment about war heroes etc. I have the utmost respect for these brave wounded service men and women and Headley Court does a superb job. I cannot begin to imagine the distress the injuries cause to individuals and families. I too think the majority of the objections are indefensible and I have written in support the application. Increased risk of terrorism indeed - what rubbish! However, has anyone actually asked why is SSAFA buying a property in the second most expensive road in Ashtead? We are talking football star properties here. There is no public transport to Headley from there. If SSAFA have £2.1million to spend on property and the need is immediate, why not buy 6 one bedroom flats in the area. There are countless other properties for sale at much cheaper prices plus numerous properties to let in the area that make much more sense. Why not, for example, block book 6 family rooms at the local Travel Inn in Leatherhead or Epsom. Interest alone on the £2.1 million would pay for these rooms for the foreseeable future and there would be no long term commitment and housing cost. Travel Inn will not mind as they will have guaranteed income and bookings. In addition there would be no need to hire staff to manage the property, or hire other staff to maintain the property. It makes no sense to buy an overpriced house in a prestige road to fulfil a need that could be satisfied elsewhere, unless of course there is some sort of hidden agenda here? In the meantime plans could be made to build additional family accommodation at Headley Court. Yes there would be planning difficulties as it is within the Green Belt, but this would be MOD land and surely they would hold sway over the DOE? Or is it that the MOD does not want to be saddled with an unusable building in the future when the need for accommodation hopefully diminishes but they will have a prestige property that has appreciated in value? In summary I cannot defend the great majority of the objections of residents, but I do wonder if the sense of the application itself has been rather lost in the hype?
As a comunial house it means families can actually support each other as well, they are not alone.
Have you actually tried to house a family in a hotel for more than a few weeks without the comforts of home...this is not a holiday, these people need normality in their lives, a fridge, a washing machine, a couch to sit on, not just a bed.
david king, stoneleigh says...
2:50am Sat 11 Aug 07
At last it seems common sense and decency has prevailed,over the shameful attitude of a number of residents.Concerning the proposal to convert a house in Ashstead to accomodate families visiting injured servicemen at Headly Court.Our forces get enough disgraceful treatement from the government,but to be insulted by their own people,really does take the biscuit.Thank God for the power of public opion!
Commander Cool, Your **** says...
4:16pm Tue 20 May 08
XD YOU GUYS ARE ALL ****!
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Alan Phillips, Epsom says...
6:25pm Thu 19 Jul 07
I am an Ex-serviceman and totally understand how important this scheme is to help injured serviceman, these serviceman need their loved ones near them in their time of need.
I can only say how self centered and selfish these people are, to say these people are not welcome as they would ruin the unique charm is completley snobish and these people should be completely ashamed of themselves.