A LAST-DITCH effort has been made by Bramshott residents to protest against the development of 23 new homes on the former Ludshott Manor site in Woolmer Lane, Bramshott.

Local residents turned out in force to a site visit last week to make their concerns known to East Hampshire district councillors, about the increase in traffic they claim the development will cause.

The proposal, which was due to be discussed at East Hampshire District Council southern planning committee last night (Thursday) had been recommended for apporval.

The application, for the alteration and extension of Ludshott Manor to form 13 homes, with listed building consent, and additional six flats and four houses with garages, had resulted in 99 letters of objection from local residents

Developers Macleod say that the additional housing will create 200 extra traffic movements a day from the site, which the objectors say is too many for the narrow Woolmer Lane to cope with.

"The developers' only plan for traffic management is to paint a sign," said Michael Knowles, who spoke for those against the proposal at the site meeting.

"Too much conflicting traffic flow will cause congestion, frustration and danger for drivers, and damage to the lane verges," he said.

"This will deter riders, walkers and cyclists from using Woolmer Lane as their right of way and access to the common."

Mr Knowles listed other important issues as potential danger at the Rectory Lane junction, congestion in Church Road during weddings, and for emergency access.

Visiting councillors had a taste of the predicted traffic problems themselves when they arrived by coach to inspect the site.

"Two coaches brought the committee members, and while six cars were trying to get past, one reversed the wrong way," Mr Knowles explained.

"They shot themselves in the foot really, but they did get to experience the level of the problem."

Also speaking at the site visit were one member of Liphook Parish Council, which had objected to the plans, a traffic consultant and a representative of Liphook and Bramshott Preservation Society.