BORDONÕS proposed Tesco store was expected to clear its final planning hurdle yesterday (Thursday) as district planners recommended that detailed plans for the store be approved.

East Hampshire District CouncilÕs north planning committee was expected to follow the recommendation of case officer Keith Oliver to grant Tesco the consent it needs before it can begin construction work at the former Bordon Motors site on the High Street.

Details including its design and construction materials were being put forward for approval.

In his report Mr Oliver said that, according to the applicant, the building is Òdesigned as a market hall which will enclose shopping facilities for the communityÓ.

A cafe will be built at the front of the store near a Òtower featureÓ.

Mr Oliver said TescoÕs requirement to provide good transport links will be met with construction of a cycle route, footpaths and with cash towards extending the 221 and 222 Bordon and Whitehill bus service.

ÒThere is no rail link to Bordon and no realistic hope of achieving one, which leaves foot, bicycle and buses as alternatives to the car,Ó he said in his report.

ÒThe application site is within walking distance of extensive areas of housing. The applicant has agreed to contribute £25,000 to improve pedestrian links and will install a signalised junction on the A325 which will allow pedestrians to cross the main road more easily.

ÒIn addition, the applicant has agreed to contribute £20,000 to construct a new cycle route between Chalet Hill and Conde Way. Cycle facilities will also be provided at the new store.

ÒWhitehill and Bordon are currently served by an hourly bus service. The applicant has agreed to contribute £125,000 to extend the hours that the bus service operates for the next five years, and £270,000 to double the frequency of the service for three to five years.

ÒThese investments will ensure that the site, and Bordon and Whitehill generally, are served by pedestrian, cycle and bus facilities which provide a genuine alternative to the car.Ó

Mr Oliver pointed out that the store will ease congestion on the roads around the Forest Shopping Centre and reduce the amount of residents travelling to nearby towns to do their shopping.

He said that TescoÕs proposals for 199 parking spaces exceeded the current maximum parking standards which would require 185 spaces.

Four letters of objection, mainly from residents in Jacaranda Road residents, and two letters of support, had been sent to EHDC.

Mr Oliver said the objectors had raised concerns about the potential for noise from the supermarketÕs service yard. But a noise assessment had been carried out and measures controlling trading hours and hours of deliveries would help to ensure that there would be Òno significant loss of amenity to neighbouring residentsÓ.