Ex-Top Gear star says historic garage plan 'madness'

The site was used as a filling station from 1919 to 2010

A former Top Gear presenter has criticised plans to turn one of England’s oldest petrol stations into a house.

Tiff Needell objected to the proposal for the Grade II listed Glendore in Turnastone, Herefordshire, which was first used as a filling station in 1919.

The ex-racing driver, who presented Top Gear between 1987 and 2001 before hosting Fifth Gear on Channel 5, called for the former petrol station to be preserved.

The applicant said the historically significant part of the site would remain intact.

In a written response to the planning application, Mr Needell said: “It should be a museum! Where’s the imagination? Not a home please! Madness!”

He claimed the building’s historic features would “become just a token rather than living history” if the planning application was approved.

Tiff Needell said the proposal was "madness"

As well as changing the site’s use to residential, the plans include repairing the existing outbuilding and constructing a detached garage.

The site operated as a petrol station from 1919 until 2010, according to the application.

At the time of its listing in 1998, it was thought to be the oldest surviving one in England.

The period pumps still stand in the front garden and it was believed the adjoining house, unused for more than a decade, was 100 years older.

Tiff Needell, pictured second from right, presented Top Gear from 1987 to 2001

Other objectors included motoring journalist Philip Porter, who claimed not to preserve “this unique motoring monument” would be “sacrilege”.

“If it is a matter of money, I am confident that the funds can be raised and I would be prepared to lead such a crusade among our well-healed (sic) worldwide clients to preserve such a motoring shrine,” he added.

A planning statement submitted on behalf of the applicant said Glendore needed significant repair and investment to survive and added the refurbishment would be sensitive.

It went on to say that the principal façade, described as the primary part of the building’s significance, would be “preserved intact”.

“It is concluded that the principle of the development is not only acceptable but that change is necessary to ensure long-term survival of the built heritage,” the statement added.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.