LIPHOOK is facing a planning appeals marathon this autumn, with the decision to refuse two major housing schemes in the village being challenged by developers.

Bloor Homes has announced it is challenging the refusal by East Hampshire District Council for 100 homes on the Chiltley Lane poultry farm, in addition to the already lodged Lowsley Farm appeal for 175 houses.

Bloor Homes’ application was dismissed under delegated powers in January following strong protests by residents and members of the Chiltley Farm Action Group.

Last July, the majority of Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council’s planning committee controversially supported the application, despite online objections from hundreds of residents and more than 50 protestors attending a packed meeting.

Parish councillors, who voted in favour of the application, were accused of ignoring the wishes of the community.

Councillors stated they had no objections to the application subject to developers’ contributions being provided to support improvements in Midhurst Road, in particular to the railway bridge and pedestrian safety.

In addition, they felt contributions should go towards public open spaces in the form of allotments, the removal of Japanese Knotweed from the site and consideration given to additional on-site parking spaces to alleviate the need for on-street parking in the adjacent Berg Estate.

The parish council claimed it had not been notified of the applicant’s intentions to make financial contributions towards Radford Park, but would welcome the opportunity to discuss this in due course.

EHDC refused the application because it failed to adequately demonstrate that the proposal would not have a severe detrimental impact on the operation and safety of the local road network.

In the opinion of the planning authority, the proposal involved a development that could not be reconciled with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as it would result in the residents of the development not being able to make use of sustainable transport opportunities, which would result in a greater number of trips by private car.

This would create a severe impact on the local transport network, especially in the adjacent Berg estate.

Planning officers stated the proposed development – because of an unsatisfactory pedestrian link to Chiltley Lane – was not in accordance with the requirements of the NPPF, which clearly states that permission should be refused for a development of poor design that fails to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of an area and the way it functions.

The application site, which lies outside the settlement policy boundary of Liphook, did not meet with the criteria set out in EHDC’s joint core strategy, which states it will only be permitted where it meets community needs and realises local community aspirations, as well as reinforces a settlement’s role and functions.

In addition, the application could not be accommodated within a built-up area and had not been identified in an adopted neighbourhood plan or had clear community support as demonstrated through a process which had been agreed with the local planning authority in consultation with the parish council.

Also no provision had been made for a financial contribution towards education facilities within the parish, where there is a recognised shortage of school spaces, and without a section 106 agreement or unilateral undertaking from the applicant agreeing to additional provision, objections were raised.

The district council stated that it would require the provision of 40 per cent affordable housing and an appropriate mix and affordability in a development, the management and maintenance of 1.22 hectares of open space provided on site, a transport contribution to cover costs of the production and implementation of a travel plan and contributions towards the enhancement of sustainable alternative natural green spaces - in this case for Radford Park.

Anyone wishing to make comments or modify/withdraw previous representations should write and send three copies to The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/26, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN or visit www. planningportal.gov.uk/pcs.

All representatons must quote the appeal reference APP/M1710/W/15/3129981 and be received by Tuesday, October 20.