A DEVELOPER with major plans to redevelop part of Bordon High Street with a new pub and a series of shops has appealed against a decision by district planners to refuse the project.

The proposals, which were submitted by local businessman John Brice as two separate applications, would see the former Unigate Dairy depot in High Street, immediately north of the Seafare chip shop, demolished and replaced with a public house boasting a restaurant, beer garden, roof terrace and function rooms.

The boarded-up shops on the other side of the chip shop would be converted into an arcade of seven shops, with a central access from the A325 to Lynton Road to the rear.

Originally Mr Brice wanted to set up 10 shops on the site but this was reduced to seven after concerns were raised about the lack of parking proposed for the units.

But district planners rejected both sets of plans on a number of grounds, including the perceived negative impact on the future development of the area, lack of car parking and provision for turning and inadequate access.

Case officer Keith Oliver said in his report: "The adopted local plan indicates that proposals for new retail development will be permitted provided that the scheme sustains and enhances existing facilities, is in scale and character, maintains the shopping function, and is readily accessible. The scheme arguably meets all these criteria.

"In addition the plan specifically identifies the need for further facilities and in particular wishes to retain retail uses in the High Street. Under the second review of the plan this area is included within the larger town centre for Whitehill/ Bordon, but this anticipates the necessary infrastructure improvements being first put in place.

"The implementation of this scheme in isolation and without the necessary infrastructure improvements could, therefore, prejudice any future comprehensive redevelopment proposals for the area."

Whitehill Town Council also opposed the project, saying that "if allowed the application could prejudice wider redevelopment proposals coming forward and could prejudice future highway, safety and car parking proposals".

On hearing of the appeal, Whitehill town councillor Zoya Faddy told The Herald: "I welcome Mr Brice's investment and desire to redevelop the area, but this development must be part of the whole to make it successful."

Anyone wishing to comment on the appeal must do so in writing by October 19.