Protective status ensures no more battles at roundabout
A ROUNDABOUT on the Hampshire and Surrey border that was the scene of a 19th century uprising has gained protective status following public consultation.
Waverley Borough Council has announced that the Shepherd & Flock roundabout, a road junction near Farnham where the A31 meets the A325, will be designated as a conservation area in order to preserve and enhance the site due to its historical interest. Land within the huge roundabout contains several houses and the much-loved Shepherd & Flock pub.
The Battle of Moor Park in 1897 saw hundreds of local residents gather outside the gatehouse to Moor Park following news that the area, a public right of way, would be closed to people who did not have written authority to be there. After the gates were closed and chained shut, irate residents gathered before forcing entry with crowbars. Since that day, the site has remained open to the public.
Protective status now means planning decisions on any land within the boundary of the Shepherd & Flock Conservation Area will be directed by a requirement to maintain the special character of the entire area.
Cllr Andy MacLeod, borough council portfolio holder for planning policy and services, said: “The Shepherd & Flock roundabout is a well-loved, unique and historically significant site, so I’m thrilled it has been designated as a conservation area.
“Possibly the largest inhabited roundabout in the UK it is also packed with local history, being the site of the almost entirely peaceful
Battle of Moor Park in 1897, when around 500 angry townsfolk assembled to demand their legal right of way to pass over the various footpaths leading through the estate of Sir William Rose.
“The designation of Shepherd & Flock as a conservation area will ensure that the roundabout is properly maintained and will be enhanced and protected long into the future.”