PLANS to redevelop Bordon’s Forest Shopping Centre have been amended for the second time, following public concern about flats proposed as part of the scheme.

But despite satisfying previous objections in relation to the size of the two new blocks of flats, it seems the developers still have not managed to keep everyone happy.

On Monday night, Whitehill Town Council voted for the third time on the application and, for the third time, decided to submit an objection to the scheme.

This time, however, the council’s concerns regarding flats had been appeased, but objections to parking provision for the new homes remained and councillors refused to back the project.

However, Whitehill Town Council is a consultatory body, with East Hampshire District Council set to make the ultimate decision when it considers the final draft of the plans.

Forest Centre owner and developer Orchard Grove Asset Management, based in London, is hoping to breathe new life into the centre, which has struggled with shop closures in recent times.

Graham McPhail, from Orchard Grove, explained this week that, as well as reducing “the number of flats”, Orchard Grove had also increased the amount of landscaping, and provided a new food bank for the neighbouring St Mark’s Church, in its redrafted plans.

As well as a selection of proposals for the centre itself, the firm is seeking permission to build 35 new flats. These will take the shape of two detached buildings, in Heathcote and Pinehill roads, comprising 16 flats and six flats respectively, and the conversion of vacant space above shops (numbers one to three and nine to 13) to create 13 more flats.

The improvements inside the centre will see the creation of two new shop units as well as the reconfiguration of some others.

There will also be general work and renovations to make the centre “feel more open and welcoming”.

Alterations include: the removal of the eastern and western entrance doors and canopies; removal of the brick planters; repainting the existing canopy from black to white; providing new signage; removing the polycarbonate atrium roof and installing new lighting, and providing planters and a “green wall” of plants.

Whitehill Town Council has been keen to insist that members “support the regeneration in principle” but object to certain aspects of it.

Despite a number of public objections to the project, which mostly centred around the scale of the blocks of flats, particularly in terms of height, those who expressed their support on East Hampshire District Council’s online planning portal far outnumber those against.

In total there are 74 in support and 18 objections.

Most members of public lodging their support come in the form of canvassed signatures collected by the applicant, calling on the district council to grant permission.

However, this methodology has been criticised by one objector who wrote to the district council claiming that the wording of the petition “does nothing to actually explain the extent of the major changes”.

Despite concerns surrounding the new flats, and the amendments that have been made, the applicant maintains that the developments are suitable, sustainable and “essential” as part of the package with the other works.

Documents produced on behalf of the applicant explain how the centre has become “outmoded” in terms of format and has been “losing tenants and footfall as a result”.

But, despite the “constraints” and its “run-down appearance”, it is felt there is a strong future for the site boosted by “retained local affection”.

The planning application is currently with East Hampshire District Council, although a date for its discussion and decision has not yet been set.