A CONTROVERSIAL planning application to build two new houses on Lemon Grove road has been approved by East Hampshire district councillors. The application for two semi-detached houses at 34 Lemon Grove Road sparked fears that trees and wildlife would suffer as a result. The rear of the site contains badger setts, while the site itself contains a badger corridor. At the front of the site is a mature Douglas Fir, which is protected by a tree preservation order. Local county councillor Adam Carew said: "This has been the source of controversy for two years. Trees and badgers are the main concerns, and we must ensure that these are protected." Calls for a legal contract to protect the current badger corridor were made, following claims that the owners have previously disturbed the habitat. Mr Carew said: "Heavy plant machinery has been used on the site before and the applicant has been warned about disturbing badger setts. We have to ensure that this badger corridor is protected fully, and that we have the weight of the law supporting us. "Natural England have also said that they support the retention of the badger corridor, and want to make this a legal requirement- they are the experts and we should follow their advice." However, managing director of HTH Developments, Tim Hill, insisted that wildlife and trees will remain unharmed. He said: "We have spent thousands of pounds on employing badger specialists to look into the issue, and we will follow their advice. "People are making a mountain out of a mole hill- the badgers have acres of land to go romping in. Residents obviously care more about the badgers than they do for people because they clearly don't want new houses." The council are currently awaiting a final report from the developers regarding the Douglas fir. Mr Hill said: "We will submit our revised tree report before January 7, and we will ensure that the tree is protected with special scaffolding around the roots." Other concerns were raised with reference to the area of land at the rear of the site, known as the old pistol firing range. The area has been designated as an area of open space in the local plan but the site is currently landlocked and cannot be accessed. The old pistol-firing range is also owned by HTH Developments, and it is yet unclear if they plan to open up access to the site. Chief planning officer Chris Murray said: "We have no power under planning law to make the developers responsible for access to the open space. We have questioneed their plans, and find it confusing that they would block access to it, but nevertheless that is their right to do so. The design and density of the application was also called into question. Councillor Andrew Joy said: "I don't think the design of the building fits in with anything else in vicinity- it just doesn't look right and I feel that this would be over packing the area." Mr Murray replied: "To the south of this application, there is a similar sized site which has five houses on it. It is unreasonable to object to this on the basis of density." Residents too have raised concerns about the application. One, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "I speak for a number of neighbours who are outraged by EHDC. They are failing to support our views and in particular the complaints of residents on local planning and particularly environmental issues. The collective feeling on this matter is approaching outrage. "I ask- are kids to be deprived of recreational space and precious and wildlife driven out? What are local authorities doing to ensure that the agreed Local Plan and opinions of residents are protected?" Complaints have been made about the owners holding bonfires on the land, and the affect this has on the environment. The resident said: "The bonfire stank out the neighbourhood and was so smoky and choking that windows had to be closed and washing could not be put out. It was also left to smoulder all night which caused a stinking smog to hang over the area." The fire brigade were called to the incident and this matter was reported to EHDC . Councillors voted to protect the badger corridor with a legal contract and subsequently voted unanimously to approve the development.
