WHITEHILL Town Council this week softened its stance towards the design of the proposed Wilkinson site.

Plans to build a Wilkinson store on land near to 47 Forest Road along with nine flats was re-submitted to the planning and amenities committee after it met several objections on the first occasion. The move followed a meeting between EHDC, the developers and the town council with a view to amending the plans.

Although the council was not entirely satisfied with many of the proposals, it decided to drop some of the objections which were previously held.

The council decided to remove the complaint about the aesthetics of the planned buildings, although some members were still very dissatisfied.

"I still don't think it is an attractive building," said Chris Wain.

Keith Cooper welcomed the idea of having a Wilkinson store in Bordon, claiming that it would be good for the area, but he also questioned the detrimental impact the proposals could have.

Mrs Wain added: "It doesn't have to cost much to improve the visual aspect of the building by using different brickwork."

Faith Thomas challenged the feeling that the council had no right to ask the developers to change the design just for Bordon.

"We did not complain about Lidl but I think that it is a less attractive building," she said.

Fellow committee member Nick Dawes concurred.

He said: "On the face of it there is nothing we can do about it. They can play with the width and they can play with the height but fundamentally a window is a window. They are not going to compromise their corporate identity."

Mrs Wain argued that if the developer could incorporate some decorative brickwork and some brambles, it would tie in better with its surroundings, but the committee voted to remove the objection.

The council also decided to drop other objections, such as opposing the creation of another entrance to the Forest Centre from Forest Road, because of the potential traffic congestion. Other objections dropped were one against the Heathcote Road service yard because it was unattractive, and another which was opposed to the overdevelopment of the area.

Members believed that although there had been improvement on the original plans, the proposal did not fully meet the aspirations of the locals according to the Forest Centre Integration Project.

Members also discussed the potential of future development and whether it would be compromised by the Wilkinson development. Wilkinson had looked into the possibility of buying 47 Forest Road but decided against it, but the developer issued plans of how a smaller development could be created.

"I like the drawings they produced, but I don't think it would be viable for someone to take the land on, as the sums just wouldn't add up," said Mrs Wain.

But David Williams said: "I don't think it prejudices any future development. We have waited long enough for development on this piece of land."

The majority of members were in agreement and decided to remove the objection.

One of the council's primary concerns that held sway was that there would not be enough parking for the development.

A council spokesman reported that Hampshire County Council's highways department was content with the car parking situation even though the developer would only provide eight parking spaces to cater for 40 staff, nine for the flat residents and none for customers. The council believed these measures were "minimal" and "inadequate".

Lidl and other Forest Centre traders have protested about the car parking, arguing that the current provision would not be sufficient for such an increase in usage.

"Unacceptable parking provision was an objection the council had last time and it still stands now," asserted Mr Cooper.

The committee also restated its desire that the developer contribute towards the town's bus service, cycle ways, safe crossways and allotments.

It was, however, extremely concerned with the £10,000 developer's contribution that was offered.

The dissatisfaction was heightened when it was reported that Tesco contributed well in excess of £200,000 when it gained permission to build in Bordon, and Lidl paid around £40,000 as well as providing customer car parking.

"I am not happy with this amount as it should be at least comparable with Lidl," said Nick Dawes.

The council decided to ask for an improvement in developer's contribution as well as a donation to the Forest Centre Integration Project.

At the meeting's conclusion, a council spokesman urged the council to pursue its objections, adding: "Our biggest problem is car parking. If we do not object we will not get listened to. We can preface this by saying that we welcome the extra retail but there are problems that need to be overcome."

Adam Carew surmised on the council's behalf: "It seems we have definitive plans required from the planning committee north (EHDC), and they are the plans as seen.

"Therefore, these comments will go forward to the planning north as an objection in terms of retail space, parking and housing and a number of previous objections will be removed. We will also be suggesting improvements to the fascia."