UNDERSHAW Preservation Trust co-founder John Gibson is calling for all planning applications for further works to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s former home in Hindhead to go to planning committee rather than being determined by Waverley using delegated powers.

Mr Gibson unsuccessfully applied for a judicial review challenging Waverley Borough Council’s decision to grant planning consent for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s former abode to become the new home of Stepping Stones School last year.

He is keen to ensure further applications connected to its new use will be sympathetic to its status as a grade II listed building and the old home of one of the UK’s best-known authors.

Mr Gibson said he was objecting to an application to install an extractor flue against the original chimney and was concerned it could be determined by planning officers using delegated powers rather than decided by committee members when objectors and supporters can make their views known at a public meeting.

Plans have also been submitted for a multi-use games area (MUGA) with a timber walkway raised on pylons rising up to 15 feet at some points. A wooden summer house – used as an airing shed – would also be relocated to the western side of the grounds.