AN application to build a Wilkinson store accompanied by nine flats in Bordon was opposed to by Whitehill Town Council this week. Plans for the new development on land north of 47 Forest Road were unveiled to the planning committee at Monday's meeting. They would see a two-storey retail unit built with six car parking spaces provided for staff, nine flats with associated underground parking, and a walkway to gain access to the site. Planning committee members were concerned that there would not be enough parking available for the proposed store, with only six staff spaces for a store which would need 40 workers per shift. The plans stated that it would be "making use of the over-capacity of the Forest Shopping Centre car park," but no evidence was submitted to indicate that the car park was under used or that the applicant had permission to use it. It was mentioned that customers might park by the road side which could cause a nuisance local residents. The council also felt that the delivery lorries would create traffic problems, noise pollution and a danger to other road users and pedestrians. There were fears about the visual impact of the development, that the building would look out of place because of its largeness and would therefore detract from its surrounding area. The proposed pedestrian walkway was deemed unsafe by the committee. The Town Mayor, Faith Thomas added: "It could become a dumping ground, and there would be vandalism. It could also be a potential skate park. I just hate to think what would go on at night." The applicant stated that flats built above a retail unit would provide extra security for the shop, but the planning committee felt that this would not be the case. Members said that it would not serve that purpose because the windows would be in the wrong position, they also questioned the desirability of living above a store which had regular visits from heavy goods lorries. The council objected to the impact that a Wilkinson store would have on traders from the nearby centre because of its vast range of goods. "The only shops it would not affect would be the post office, dry cleaners and the repairs part of the shoe shop, because it would sell everything else," explained Mrs Thomas. In theory, the council supported the idea of having a such a store in the town and acknowledged that there would be some benefits to the proposals. "Personally I do like the store and I visit the one in Aldershot regularly and would visit one here, however I think it is in the wrong place. Carl Tantum, who represented the Forest Shopping Centre Business Association, said: "Wilkinson should buy out the bungalows to provide adequate car parking. It would be a good store to have, but it would have a knock-on effect on the balance of the Forest Centre." The committee appeared to agree with Mr Tantum explaining that Bordon has been waiting a long time for retail outlets and, in principle, it would be a good idea and even a boost for the town, but only if it was in a different place. There was also a brief discussion about the possible planning gains which would be received if the plans got the green light. The council said that it would like to see an improved bus service, cycle routes, allotments provided for the flats' owners and some improvements to the Forest Road, including a pedestrian crossing and a relocation of the pinch points. Two local residents attended the meeting to voice their concerns about the proposal. The council also received an objection letter from a resident who cited similar fears. The objections and comments from Whitehill town council will be passed on to East Hampshire District Council's north planning committee who will decide the proposal's fate.