REVISED plans for the former Haslemere Prep School site in Hill Road are strongly opposed by a group of neighbouring residents.

Hill Road campaigners objecting to the demolition of the historic Heights building have launched an appeal to refuse the scheme.

Waverley planners refused a 2018 application in January for 25 homes by Hambledon-based property developer Twist Heights, partly on the grounds the original building was a non-designated heritage asset.

That plan has since gone to appeal, and the latest proposal is to demolish The Heights, which was extended as home to the prep school from the 1950s to 2016, and build 20 units.

The development would be served by a new access and comprise four one-bed and six three-bed houses and ten two-bed flats.

Twist Heights states in its revised heritage statement that it is uncertain Haslemere architect Herbert Hutchison designed the original building.

It adds the original building ‘is not of sufficient interest or merit to be considered as a non-designated heritage asset, and there is no evidence it should be treated as such’.

With the help of Haslemere Museum and the granddaughter of Herbert Hutchinson, residents have successfully sourced the original watercolour architectural drawings and associated information for The Heights, dated and signed by Herbert Hutchinson himself in 1899.

He was the son of Sir Jonathan Hutchinson, founder of Haslemere Museum, and he designed up to 100 individually-styled houses in the town – many on Half Moon Hill – in the Arts and Crafts style.

A spokesperson for Hill Road objectors said: “The Heights is one of many important properties designed and built by Herbert Hutchinson on the Half Moon Estate that give the area its special character and unique history.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

“Please help our appeal to save this historic building.”