Save Ash Manor and its Setting
We the residents of Ash Green in Surrey (AGRA) are fighting developers (Bewley Homes) to save our Heritage Assets. They want to build in and ruin the setting of the Grade II* listed Ash Manor and its associated Oast House and Barn (both Grade II listed). The Manor is one of the most significant assets in the country. It is in the upper half of the top 6% in Historic England’s assessment and the only one of its kind in Guildford borough.
This high status moated Manor has been occupied by Kings of England. It is believed to have been part of a holding left to Chertsey Abbey by the major Saxon landowner Azor on his death in the C11.
The House has C13 origins with substantial post-medieval adaptions evidenced throughout its structure.
The setting, in open fields at the end of a narrow hedge-lined lane, includes a large pond and a magnificent 250 year old, rare Veteran Pedunculate Oak tree subject to a Tree Preservation Order
The surroundings are ecologically rich and frequented by herons, swallows, bats, including the incredibly rare Barbastelle bat, owls, newts, deer, geese, toads, slow worms, grass snakes and Adders, a variety of birds, moths and other wildlife
All of this the developers are prepared to destroy.
An estate of 73 houses will invade the rural setting for ever.
The pond is full of wildlife and fish and is a stopping place for migratory geese and other birds. This will be drained and lined with black plastic and left dry for much of the year. A flawed drainage system will risk overflow to the historic building with vulnerable foundations of just a few inches of flint.
The grand Veteran Oak will be chopped down despite the Tree Preservation Order.
The development would close the rural business of the Ash Manor Livery Yard and its access through the field where the development is proposed.
Over the last 6 years we have opposed at least 6 applications in this area but have now come to the crunch.
The developers have appealed to the Planning Inspectorate. The case will be heard around September. We, as Ash Green Residents Association (AGRA), intend to challenge the appeal as so-called Rule 6 interested party. But it will cost money and much more than we have. We have experts lined up including Asset Heritage and a Barrister who is prepared to represent us at much reduced fees. But it all adds up and we need your help. We need to pay for this support in advance of the hearing in September.
The Developers are relying on our lack of funds to railroad through changes which will destroy this part of England’s history for good. Please give us your backing so, with your help, we villagers can win against the might of the developers.
Please donate what you can. It will be much appreciated and will make a difference.
