SELBORNE came a step closer last week to obtaining new public toilets, which should enhance its reputation as one of the best tourist destinations in Hampshire. The proposal, by East Hampshire District Council's environmental services department, to replace the existing facility in the car park behind The Selborne Arms, in Plum Fell Lane, was given the go ahead last Thursday by the district council's north planning committee. Top of the list for replacement for the past three years, the application has been fraught with problems, not least because it lies within the centre of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Two years ago a second application fell through because the proposed development was inappropriately sited in the centre of the car park, which is leased by the district council from the Wellington Pub Group, which owns The Selborne Arms. While the district council's motive is to improve toilet facilities for the thousands of people who visit Selborne every year and to provide access for disabled users, the owner's priority is to maintain pedestrian and car parking access for the pub. According to district council case officer Chris Murray, great care has been taken with this application to ensure that the view has been maintained towards Selborne Hangers, that no trees will be lost in the process and that maximum use of the car park will be maintained. The Wellington Pub Group will have the final say on the current proposal, which suggests replacing the existing toilet block with two unisex cubicles and two cubicles suitable for wheelchair users. While almost double in size to accommodate disabled access, the new block will stand in the southern corner of the car park, covering the footprint of the existing toilets. It will be constructed of brick and flint, with a pitched roof of clay tiles, and there will be a ramped access at the north-west end of the building leading to a front verandah. While councillors at last week's north planning meeting were unanimously in favour of the proposal; according to project manager and environment services technical officer Brian Redwood, it now requires the endorsement of the owner before it can go before the council cabinet for financial approval. The fear is that any further delay will see an escalation in cost, which is currently estimated at £180,000. Mr Redwood explained that because the ground is "pudding-like clay", it will be necessary to put in piles before construction and this will add to the cost. The idea is to start work at the end of the summer period, when parking demand will be greatly reduced, with a view to opening the new toilet block in time for visitors in the spring. However, that will depend on a speedy response from Wellington. Although the front car parking area will be out of use during the construction period, access will be maintained to the rear car park. According to Mr Redwood, while the Plum Fell Lane car park is leased by the district council, under the terms of the lease it has to remain as a rural car park and will not be surfaced or marked out. Nor is the council able to charge for using the car park, which is primarily for the use of customers visiting The Selborne Arms.
