AN Extraordinary General Meeting held by Odiham Parish Council in regards to a new application for development at the historic Deer Park drew disbelief from villagers as councillors decided not to object to the plans.

In a somewhat hostile and rather one-sided meeting, members of the public in attendance made it quite clear that they fully objected to the plans with rapturous applause breaking out throughout the evening as arguments were made against the proposal.

However, despite a number of pre-arranged speakers making their case to the council, the closed discussion meant once the council had voted on the new plans, there was no room for input from those watching on in disbelief.

One commentator told The Herald that he had “never seen anything like this in my life” while a handful of residents left the Vine Church hall following the majority decision of six votes to three not to object.

The new plans which were submitted by Richard Revell with Octagon Developments are looking to change the agricultural land use of the Deer Park into public and private open space with new footpaths and cycleways, fencing and landscaping, as well as the construction of a car park, a community building and eight large dwellings.

Many of the objections were aimed in the direction of potentially damaging footpaths, an unnecessary community building and eight homes, none of which would be affordable.

Of the three councillors to object to the plans, Jeremy Fellows, John Fleming and David Stewart, it was Mr Fleming who delivered a line that resonated with those in attendance.

“It is a romanticised vision to enrich a rich man at Odiham’s expense,” was the rousing line that bought about an extended applause and cries of “hear hear”.

Mr Stewart added: “I can’t support the proposal as it stands, primarily because of the strength of feeling of the community.

“I am not opposed to developing the park but feel that the current proposal offers too little reward for the loss of amenity.”

On the topic of affordable housing Mr Fellows saw issue with the lack of in the new plans and how it had “hit a nerve” with some: “The applicant has been invited previously by OPC to consider affordable housing but is not proposing any.

“The availability of the land is, as we know, the big problem, with getting affordable housing for local people. The applicant is not making such land available or proposing a mechanism for helping to achieve such housing.”

The three objecting councillors were backed by almost every single person in the room, including Kathryn Ball, a business owner on the High Street who alluded to how there is no link between the Deer Park development and guaranteed future high street success, nor what substantial difference eight houses would have on the Local Plan.

Yet there were those in attendance who sprung up in support of the development.

Graham Bell, the agent acting on behalf of the developers from Bell Cornwell in Hook, made a passionate speech about the vision himself and developers had for the historic plot of land.

Given a three-minute time slot to deliver his speech, Mr Bell said: “It is difficult to condense a 10-year vision into three minutes but given our location I will give you honesty.

“This is it. What you see is what you’ll get. We can work on it together until you’re happy.”

Parish council chairman Jon Hale asked him about the lack of affordable housing to which he replied: “There is no suitable land, there is no off-site solution and also Hart may still yet demand it.”

With a number of questions raised in regards to the inclusion of many footpaths and cycleways, Mr Hale moved to ease those fears while giving his reason for not objecting to the plans.

“While popular with dog walkers, the land in my view is incredibly under used, being a muddy bog for most of the year,” he commented.

“I have walked it almost every day for the last month, keen to observe usage and usability. The recent remedial repairs to the footpaths have already become damaged by the cattle and horses. Having proper paths will be a huge benefit.”

Another highly discussed part of the plans was the proposed covenants, however, the council chairman saw them as a positive: “The proposed covenants, ensuring the community has legal say over any future development, is a huge benefit.

“In addition to the proposed gifted land, the covenants will give me peace of mind that one day we won’t end up with a 500-home housing estate on there in the future.

“I worry that if something positive is not done with this land, then it could be re-sold to a land bank - so I have an open mind to a long-term view that has the potential to better protecting it.”

In what was a highly charged general meeting, many of those in attendance didn’t get the outcome they were looking for, as the parish council decided to embrace changes which could have a positive impact on a village ready to thrive.

Odiham Parish Council’s decision will now be submitted to Hart District Council, and for those who wish to view the full plans or submit their own comments visit www.publicaccess.hart.gov.uk/online-applications/ and search reference code 16/03247/FUL.