WHITEHILL Town Council is standing firm against a proposal to build 77 homes in Bordon. Members have objected to plans to redevelop the the St Lucia Lodge site at the northern edge of the town, which is currently wasteland. The council believes that there are many problems with the proposal and these would make any such development unsuitable for the site. There is concern about the lack of footways, car parking and that there would be access difficulties for emergency vehicles, wheelchair users, pushchairs and prams. "How can they have a six-bedroom house with one garage? They are providing the absolute minimum in terms of access and lighting," said town clerk Linda Tiley. The town council was concerned that if the proposal received the green light then the extra use of the bus stop on Lindford Road would cause the traffic to snarl up. Councillors thought it would be ludicrous to have a bus stop on top of such a busy junction and will take up the matter with the highways department and Stagecoach. Faith Thomas thought that having a development so close to busy main roads could be a mistake, saying: "If this is meant to be for exclusive apartments, what are those living there to think with all the traffic noise and fumes". Karen Walker felt that the developers had made a good effort to make the building design look aesthetically pleasing with their interesting use of stone and texture. Councillors were worried about the lack of provision made for a green area for children to play on in the developer's design. A piece of land had been earmarked for recreational use, but residents would have to cross a very busy road to access it. "People who live on that estate are not going to want their kids walking down the road to use the common land across the way," said Mrs Walker. It was claimed that the proposals would restrict the expansion of a recycling scheme in the area as the plans only allow for one wheelie bin per property on site. The meeting also agreed that there should be a lower density of housing in the developer's plan. "We object to this plan, it is ridiculous. This is one of the main entrances to the town and it has got to look good. This not acceptable" said Adam Carew. The final decision on the planning application is expected to be made by East Hampshire District Council in January.
