EAST Hampshire planners have given the go ahead for the construction of 183 new homes with associated road works and parking on AltonÕs former Lord Mayor Treloar Hospital site in Chawton Park Road.

The decision was made during a special meeting of East Hampshire District CouncilÕs North Planning Committee, held at Alton College on Thursday last week.

There were just two applications on the table, both submitted by site owners Westbury Homes Holding Limited.

The first was for the erection of 183 dwellings with associated access roads, car parking, open space and landscaping on the former hospital site. The second was for the construction of a mini roundabout, two accesses from Chawton Park Road, a cycleway and associated signing and lining.

A total of 19 letters of objection had been received to the first application from local residents, including one from 60 members of Butts Church, concerned in the main about the impact of traffic generation on the surrounding road network. Also about the impact on local services, including primary schools, and on road and drainage infrastructure.

Alton Town Council had also objected on traffic management issues.

While north planning committee members had accepted the principle of residential development imposed by the granting of outline permission for 145 dwellings at appeal, the strongest debate centred around traffic generation and on-site parking provision.

With only 1.5 car parking spaces per unit and 27 visitor spaces provided, in line with new government guidelines, the fear was that Òin the real worldÓ it would not be enough.

It was reluctantly accepted that it would be a case of Òbuyer bewareÓ - those purchasing a property on the development would do so knowing that parking was limited.

On the question of traffic management, because the appeal inspector had not asked for improvements to the surrounding road network when granting permission for 145 dwellings, the committee felt it could only look at the difference an additional 38 properties would make to the equation.

A traffic survey had revealed that Chawton Park Road was capable of dealing with the projected traffic generation and to refuse the application on the basis of inadequate road infrastructure would, it was feared, result in defeat at appeal.

If improvements were to be made they would have to be linked with future development of the site. However, it was agreed to request that all contractor traffic access the current site via Northfield Lane.

The design of the development had revealed mixed feelings with Anne Storey (Four Marks) feeling that ÒAlton deserved betterÓ and Jerry Janes (Holybourne) believing that the design was Òone of the most interesting Alton had seen for a long timeÓ.

Chairman Patrick Burridge, expressed concern over the design of the flats at the centre of the site which, as Òkey to the whole developmentÓ, he felt should make Òa stronger statement.Ó It was agreed to ask the architects to redesign the flats to the satisfaction of the EHDC landscape officer and in consultation with local representatives.

It was also agreed to remove permitted development rights across the site in order to keep a check on layout and property size.

Other conditions included the agreement of measures to control and dispose of surface water prior to development, the implementation of a landscaping scheme in the first planting season, the protection of existing trees and shrubs during construction, and the reprovision of bat and barn owl roosting facilities prior to development.

The developer is to be asked also to contribute, if needed, to additional education facilities, and to take into account sheep movement on adjoining agricultural land.

The housing application was approved by a majority of eight, with councillors Wonson (Binsted) and Storey objecting and Butler (Froyle) abstaining. It will be subject to a Section 106 Agreement to secure 30 per cent affordable housing (54 units), the provision and maintenance of on-site open space and associated facilities and a commuted sum for off-site playing field provision/maintenance together with the retention of land for a community centre/church.

The second application for a mini-roundabout, two accesses and a cycleway had attracted strong objections, both from the Alton Society and Alton Town Council.

Both were under the impression that Chawton Park Road would be severed in the middle to prevent rat-running and felt that this, together with the widening of the bridge at Northfield Lane, should be carried out as a precursor to development.

The council expressed extreme concern over the impact of additional traffic on junctions at both ends of Chawton Park Road. pointing out that traffic levels in the area had increased significantly since LMT hospital was in full operation making any comparison inappropriate.

They were supported in their concerns by five other letters of objection and by local residents who have since formed themselves into an action group.

While the same argument applied over road infrastructure improvements as for the first application, district councillors did express concern over the implementation of a cycleway, which would run along both sides of Chawton Park Road, joined to a toucan crossing at Whitedown Lane.

The fear was that the cycleway would narrow the road at a time of increased use and cause problems for residents who normally park on the road.

The application was passed with Peter Wonson the sole objector.