Headley Court: Families Accomodation

Just a quick note to all regarding a plan submitted by SSAFA Forces Help to establish a residential facility for the the immediate families of service personnel recieving rehabilitation treatment at Headley Court.

SSAFA wishes to buy a property close to the Defence Rehapilitation Centre at Headly Court, Surrey in order to provide a short-term residential facility for relatives visiting injured servicemen and women. SSAFA have identified a property in Grays Lane, Ashstead

The story has been in the press recently because a significant number of local residents are opposed to the planning application.

The two most frequent reason's given for opposing the plan by the residents are that there will be an increase in road traffick and that the change of use to the property will "degrade the area and change the character of the lane".

I feel that a little bit of snobbery is involved in that the locals do not want lesser mortals in their area.

For those interested the following links give more info etc.

www.ssafa.org.uk
www.arrse.co.uk
www.petitions.pm.gov.uk

Please take time to have a look at the links and if you feel as I do that it is worth supporting SSAFA in some way then please do so.
Regards,
Joe.

There was an article in the Sun, Thu 19 Jul, SUN VISITS HEROES HOSPITAL. The Defence Editor of the Sun went on to say that the Newspaper had been granted a rare access to the Headley Court Centre.

The purpose of the visit was the opening of a new 30 bed Ward by the Defence Minister Mr Derek Twigg. The Sun Defence Editor quoted that this might be a sign that casualties are to remain high. It was also stated that the centre's 140 beds are permanently full with dozens more service personnel waiting to get in. Maybe this has added to the concern of the locals!!

Lcpl Mike Greggan 2nd Bn was one of the patients interviewed. Cheery Mike had stated that all he wanted was to get well and return to his unit to go on operations and that he wasn't being brave just doing a a job he was paid for, serving his Country.

The rehab Boss, Wing Commander Bob Jones stated "All our patients are heroes."

For Bob. Another clipping I'll send you!

Gerry943

What snobs! Let them fight and save our backsides from anyone who dares to try and take our land but let's not worry about whether they have somewhere to get better from their injuries in. Oh shame on the inhabitants of that area. Bet they'd think differently if the fire brigade or bin men went on strike!! If they do we ought to make sure their bins were left until they were very smelly!! Oh it makes my blood boil.
Tried the petitions page but couldnt get on, any more ideas of how we stop these snobs objecting?
Fight on for those who fought for us.
Take care
Anita x

Hi Anita,
I tried the link and you are right it did not work, I then signed on to www.direct.gov.uk and clicked on petition the PM, in the search box I entered the word Headley and was able to sign the petition asking the PM to allow SSAFA to puchase and make the change's required to the property.
It is a bit long winded but worth the effort.
Regards,
Joe.

This is totally outrageous!!!! Again it shows how our troops are being treated not only by the government but by people who should know better. Within the planning regulations devaluation of a home for anything less than a property that is being used for immoral earnings or requiring a permit to dispose of toxic waste is not a consideration.
If Councillors have rejected this application on those grounds then the Council Tax payer in that area is going to be in for a huge fine levied by Government and could indeed see the council being taken into special measures for not carrying out their duties correctly.

Hingey

Hi all,
On page 4 of the Daily Mail today there is a good article re Headley Court, in simple terms the Mole Valley District Council have given the go-ahead for SSAFA's plan to provide short term accomodation for up to 12 relatives at a time, the on line pettiton had 40,000 signatures.
It is a pity that everything that is needed to help the service community seems to be a battle all the time.
Regards,
Joe.

I agree but at least this time it worked.
Anita x

Very true. Looking at ARRSE, who were the main mouth piece. It appears the Service community is attempting to make peace with the residents. I hope the residents accept the olive branch, and perhaps get involved in the project.