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Further over development at Old Thorns - Jennifer (13th Nov 2014 - 14:32:18) Does anybody know about the rumours of yet further over development at Old Thorns. Apparently a planning application has been submitted for dozens of "mega pods" to be built right up to local residential property boundaries. I have heard that the idea is to attract large groups of hen and stag parties to the site which will cause a huge amount of disturbance to both the local residents and the village generally, as these groups will gather in the village and surrounding areas. This is a concern for everyone in the area - whether you live in the immediate area of the site or the village and the surrounding areas. As many people as possible should object to this latest application. 21589/087 - Re-location of existing pods to an alternative location on site to accommodate new apartments, additional 'mega pods' on site, and a new golf net behind second green to protect route to third tee box

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Lord liphook (13th Nov 2014 - 21:49:20) Jenny Why would you leave a venue, that has a spa, sport facilities, bars, and entertainment and venture into liphook? Lip Vegas it is not! Although I do hear you can get a hunker hunker burning love at the Green Dragon on a Friday!

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - h (14th Nov 2014 - 00:29:49) surely the point of a stag or hen night party is to get as drunk as poss in Old Thorns the glamour spot of Liphook, but it is I suppose a slightly nicer bar to get drunk in than the anchor!

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Jennifer (14th Nov 2014 - 13:34:10) I agree, that is exactly what the guests will do - get drunk and cause a nuisance - so local residents should object to this planning application before it is too late.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Old Thorns neighbour (14th Nov 2014 - 15:28:29) Jennifer I fear it is already too late, Old Thorns never get turned down for any planning applications they make!

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Keith (14th Nov 2014 - 15:35:40) Perhaps worth noting that while there are many criticisms of the Parish Council on this website, on this matter, to their credit, they have already posted their objection to this application while district councilors Glass, Mouland and Ashton remain mute.....

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Major Curly (14th Nov 2014 - 18:31:05) I have to admit that I am a bit confused about some of the comments. As people have said, you go to old thorns, have a great time and then stagger to your pod at the end of the evening , if you have one. Why is the centre of Liphook even being mentioned

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Fenella (15th Nov 2014 - 15:30:16) I usually think of most complaints regarding planning and development as NIMBY'ism however on this occasion I m right in the fact that these super pods are right in the back yard of many properties adjacent to Old Thorns and sympathise with the residents (The NIMBY's) Who would ever of imagined buying a house next to what was a lovely quiet and protected Golf Course is now turning in to a glorified caravan/Pod park or I think the word is 'Glamping' (Glamorous camping) with late night revellers creating a multitude of noise, lighting, intrusion, over development and frustration for local residents. I am also confused to exactly what Old Thorns is trying to be, a luxury 4 star hotel or a low end drinking venue with Pods? I think from a practical point of view wouldn't Old Thorns be better off actually building the 50 apartments they have planning for and testing demand for these prior to adding more development? I have to say from previous permissions I would also be concerned that 24 Pods will soon turn in to 100 or 1000 as I expect the Golf course itself will be the next area to have an application on it for development. I haven't seen any Pods at Gleneagles or other Golfing locations, maybe Old Thorns are the trend setters...or just developers without a long term plan. If Pods get the go ahead this will give Old Thorns over 250 selling rooms. (Including the unbuilt apartments) surely that has now exceeded an acceptable level of development in this AONB/SDNP etc.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - jil (16th Nov 2014 - 21:32:20) Jenny I am a liphook villager and I used to attend liphook old thorns golf course to play golf. I now not attend there anymore as it is not how it used to be. It's not peaceful and certainly not rural anymore it has turned into a yob nightclub. [text removed] I don't see why they want more pods but hey ho. I highly agree this should be stopped but what old thorns owners wants they will get but I for one they lost out on a customer anyway. Jolly good Jenny for standing up for your neighbourhood and all the best.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Laura (16th Nov 2014 - 22:12:41) I agree - I thought old thorns was supposed to be an up market venue but they seem to be catering for the bottom end of the market with these pods. I experienced the atmosphere over the summer and it was not what you would expect from a four star hotel - drunken groups heading back to the pods that are already there - not for me. I was going to join the gym as a christmas present but if the plan is to fill the venue with more pods and aim at the lower end of the market I will take my business elsewhere and join another gym. I feel sorry for the neighbours.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Jennifer (17th Nov 2014 - 14:35:11) Maybe a boycott by local residents is the answer. I too have stopped going there - I used to spend quite a lot of money there. If they will not listen to local residents' concerns and treat them fairly, then maybe they will listen to a loss of business. The current application shows a complete lack of respect for the neighbours and destroys yet another area of woodland and the associated wildlife.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - katie (17th Nov 2014 - 14:58:23) I am a neighbour to old thorns and unfortunately I have to sell my property due to my children's safety! Last year I found in my back garden a drunken idiot trying to find there way back to old thorns and it scared me and my family. We experience fireworks go off unexpectedly! We didn't have any letters to warn us about the fireworks going off so we can put our frightened pets away. Also we hear thumping loud music till late at night and not only that people laughing shouting and screaming at night. It isn't really nice for my five year old to wake up to at night. It is a shame as it was rural but I do agree it is like a nightclub and I am so glad to be moving away :)

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - robin (17th Nov 2014 - 15:06:45) I have applied for work at old thorns many times they let me have a days worth of work and you don't hear nothing back from them and this has happens 3 times now! They are really useless with wanting and advertising for workers. I'm not going to reply anymore. I know this is a different matter but am so angry with old thorns attitude.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Larry O'thorns (17th Nov 2014 - 15:09:09) Object object object! Old Thorns is getting just a bit too arrogant for its own good and as a result completely disregards the local neighbourhood. What with this and the golf course extension, do we really want this establishment to be so prevalent? Please add objections to the EHDC planning site.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - fenella (17th Nov 2014 - 16:34:28) Is it right to be on the EHDC NON EXEC BOARD and have applications for development without declaring it? Is the Super Pod/low end venue something this council board approve of? EAST HAMPSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL NON-EXECUTIVE BOARD (April 2014) Martin Shaw is the managing director and proprietor of Old Thorns Manor Hotel in Liphook and has spent the majority of his working life building up a large and varied selection of businesses in the leisure industry. Under his management, the golf and country estate has benefited from a multi-million pound investment, employs over 180 staff and is a fast-growing and profitable business. Martin started out in 1976 by building up his family hotel and leisure business with a portfolio of coaching inns and hotels before undertaking the huge development of firstly Norwich Airport Hotel, then Dunstan Hall, both culminating in successful sales to major hotel chains. He purchased Old Thorns in 2007 and has directed all his energy over the last 7 years in turning the hotel into a leading destination resort in the South of England.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - (17th Nov 2014 - 17:37:31) Old thorns is turning out like Butlins cool

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Jennifer (19th Nov 2014 - 13:40:05) So Martin Shaw is on the EHDC NON EXEC BOARD. That seems to explain a lot to local residents who have long complained about Old Thorns' planning applications always being approved. Can this be right? Is there a conflict of interest here?

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - fenella (20th Nov 2014 - 11:38:13) I expect it is perfectly ok for an applicant for planning permission to also sit on the board of EHDC or otherwise the Board members could never expand their business. I do however wonder if this is just an example of a closed shop situation and that local residents opinion and that of the planning department are overruled by high level EHDC officers and cabinet officials that sit alongside their fellow Board members. In my opinion this debate shouldn't go outside of the real 'issue' of planning however I am sure other factors to how the planning is achieved must be also be transparent and open to all interest parties. I am a great believer that Old Thorns can be a real asset to Liphook however the management need to understand it is better to work cohesively with local/stakeholders for the long term prosperity of the area and its business.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - paul (20th Nov 2014 - 17:30:17) I object to this over development of pods. I live next to pods that are there now. I get lots of noise late at night; one night had loud music from a hen party to 1.20 in morning not meant to have music in pods. And under their licence we are not to hear music beyond the fence which we do most nights cannot leave windows open when hot because of noise great as long as they have fun and don't get sleep.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - fenella (22nd Nov 2014 - 14:15:55) Below as marketed on Old Thorns Website!!! This is obviously going to be a significant disturbance to its neighbours. The Ultimate Pod Party is perfect for Hen Parties, Golf breaks or just a bit of fun with your friends. Let down your hair and relax in our Pods and take advantage of our brilliant Golf and Spa hotel for the most amazing Hen weekend or just a friends night in. This truly stunning venue has everything to offer to give you a weekend to remember.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Jennifer (24th Nov 2014 - 12:40:59) That explains why there has been so much noise and bad behaviour at the existing pods. The new ones will be bigger and even closer to the residential properties, so this problem is only going to get worse. Deadline for objections to the planning application is this Friday! Act now before it is too late.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - JP (24th Nov 2014 - 15:22:41) Money speaks louder than words and they have deep pockets. Sad but true.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - fenella (24th Nov 2014 - 16:10:11) Interesting post about money speaking louder than words. I assume this is reference to S106 agreements and charges levied according to development. I would be very interested to see what that amounts to for the whole development at Old Thorns - This must of levied pots of cash for local improvements? I am sure many of us would be interested to know if and how any S106 charges were structured and used for the Old Thorns development and other local developments.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Julie (29th Nov 2014 - 20:38:22) If people think Old Thorns are breaking the terms of their license in any way, ring the police. Eventually they will get sick of the police turning up which will hopefully get them to do something about it, plus it won't do their reputation any good.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - ? (30th Nov 2014 - 20:45:17) What is the police going to do about it? What is the Naighbough hood going to do about it? What is the councle going to do about it? It's pretty clear. I think it is oblivious that some million air can have rights to think they own every think and can claim rights to but yet old thorns can complain about travellers at queens road just for having some were to live. But yet old thorns can claim land e.g next door to naighboughs wildlife and yet out side deers hut pub. Which have you notice yet a whole load of trees being cut down? That's because more is being done and more hotels and yes another Butlines is arriving. People should reject as much as they can before our homes be down valued and more floods occurred and the villagers will have kaos

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Fenella (30th Nov 2014 - 22:42:24) Sadly people always follow the man with the pot of gold. If the golden pot is to be followed it must show a return both in social and financial terms however I am not sure that this is the case from the Old Thorns Pot of Gold. Old thorns is celebrated by EHDC as an advocate of business within the area however what is the reality in terms of social return? How many local jobs does it provide (and positive conditions)? How much does it engage with the community, is there a legacy for the future of Liphook and EHDC being built around the success of the commercial activity? Has Old Thorns engaged with apprenticeship schemes for local young people? The application for the Pods provides none of this!!! No jobs, no legacy or financial benefit to the community. If this application is approved by EHDC surely it will be questionable to it's motives?

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Jennifer (1st Dec 2014 - 16:22:14) There is still time to object to this application - the council have extended the deadline. If Old Thorns are not going consider the interests of residents and treat us fairly and with respect, then we need to make our feelings known to the council in order to protect the future of our village.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - A. Ryan (1st Dec 2014 - 21:19:49) To ? Yes the very rich may claim and buy land , but so have the Travellers.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Fenella (2nd Dec 2014 - 15:44:06) Good News for Locals!! The mega Pod application has been withdrawn. lets see what is proposed next?

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - bdavies (2nd Dec 2014 - 16:04:12) The golf course extension is on going. I wonder if Old Thorns pulled the pods application in favour of this realising that the undue influence that the owner has over EHDC as non-executive member may be construed as conflict of interest. The golf course impacts anyone who has an interest in keeping Weavers Down as it is and not the manicured domain of a few golfers. We should object.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Louie (3rd Dec 2014 - 08:30:49) I heard they dropped a few pods so it can't be that bad what everyone is making it out to be. Let it happen as it's going to happen anyway

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Jennifer (10th Dec 2014 - 13:59:37) It is great news that this application has been withdrawn. This shows that local people can make a difference when they speak up - notwithstanding the influence that Old Thorns seems to have with the local council and the lack of any care or neighbourly relations shown by Old Thorns towards the local residents. This sensitive area of woodland should remain undeveloped and local residents should continue to make their voices heard if any further planning applications are submitted. Hopefully Old Thorns will now see sense and will leave this woodland alone. This will be a victory for common sense. The local community and Old Thorns can then live side by side in peace.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Fenella (10th Dec 2014 - 22:05:47) The objections for this application presented to the EHDC were of high quality and accurate. I don't believe Old Thorns will always get it's way on applications if objectors in the future present their objections in this same way.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - h (11th Dec 2014 - 10:30:19) unfortunately, or fortunately, The owner was very clever in inviting councillors from Ehdc for events when he first took over, a lot took out health club memberships there, he also got himself onto the Ehdc business forum, so he pushed his graceful little foot into the door of Penns Place, so probably feels that his many ! applications get looked upon favourably. I am not suggesting that councillors have pecuniary interests there, but I know that an Ehdc Councillor had a Charity night there last year, so he is very generous to them in hiring the venue etc. There is also the thought that he is creating employment, which is good for the local economy, although, I have heard nothing but bad reports about the place, as employers of local or non local workers.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - JP (11th Dec 2014 - 10:52:20) Everyone should keep track of this as it is still open: http://planningpublicaccess.southdowns.gov.uk

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Susie (11th Dec 2014 - 18:24:01) H, Yes, we get several reports of bad employment but I have several friends who are very happy there and who have been employed for several years.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - sue (12th Dec 2014 - 19:13:02) they are also doing some kind of development on the field just before the car park, haven't seen anything about that on the plans

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Fenella (13th Dec 2014 - 11:24:00) The Field next to the car park that backs up against other local properties is being developed into a Car park for the Hotel/Resort. This is a form of Grass-Crete hexagonal concrete which allows grass to grow through but gives a firm/concrete base. This application for planning was approved a couple of years ago. This has changed from how it is refereed to in other applications as this area is a playing/sports field. Also within the planning permission granted for the Apartments this field would have a large pond/water holding system to avoid flooding which is an existing issue. I am not sure how the new car park/grass-Crete will help or hinder the water/drainage etc. I feel a holistic approach needs to be adopted and carefully examined to avoid potential detrimental over development. I feel Old Thorns should "genuinely" engage with locals and if it explains its vision I am sure the Local people would support it however in a way that creates a win win situation keeping all happy.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - sjenner (14th Dec 2014 - 07:28:33) I have heard that the golf course at Weavers Down has been given approval. Can anyone substantiate this rumour?

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - M (15th Dec 2014 - 17:09:50) According to Planning website, application still pending consideration SDNP/13/02300/FUL Land North Of Allington Cottage Langley Lane Langley Rogate West Sussex Application Pending Consideration

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Elsa (15th Dec 2014 - 23:54:35) Just hope old thorns does not put pods or hotels on the bogland woodland... As there is a hidden well in the bogland woodland area and is covered up by an old rusted rotten tin many years ago before the Japanese owned old thorns manor and I dread for anyone to walk it or try to build as no one knows were about it is in the bogland woodland. Not that am trying to stop anyone to build or anything but rather people know of their safety first and knowing we're this hidden well is!!! I lived up bircholt road before and that's why I know and passing on info

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - sjenner (24th Jan 2015 - 05:16:30) Just a word of warning that the pod relocation application has been submitted again, this time under the application reference of 21589/090. www.easthants.gov.uk Use the link 'Search and comment on applications'

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Old Thorns Neighbour (24th Jan 2015 - 09:23:22) Am I reading the application correctly? They're no longer asking for the mega pods and they now just want to relocate the family pods? I can't open the first document which is the location one so 'Im unable to see where they want to relocate them to, the only place I can see on one of the documents are the tennis courts.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - JP (24th Jan 2015 - 13:46:49) Old Thorns certainly get a lot on attention on this site and ALL for the wrong reasons (Financial gain)

Re:Golf Course Further over development at Old Thorns - stephanie (27th Jan 2015 - 07:45:02) There is another golf course application pending, the developers claiming that they have satisfied the concerns of Natural England. That must be the illegal felling of the woodland at the Langley End, that the Forest Authority put a halt to too late. What was a designated site of nature conservation interest has now been trashed. So much for Old Thorns taking care of the environment. Please re-object: planningpublicaccess.southdowns.gov.uk/... Search for: SDNP/13/02300/FUL

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - liz (27th Jan 2015 - 09:31:18) If Old Thorns have 'trashed' a protected site (I don't know I haven't seen it) then are allowed to build a golf course on it, surely this sends all the wrong signals to every other developer in the area! Quite worrying.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - JP (27th Jan 2015 - 12:11:44) The stupid bit is that Old Thorns put signs up saying anyone caught vandalising the site would be prosecuted. I guess this goes for everyone else except them and no one seems to take action (SDNP or The Forestry Commission) so far. I will leave it to you to guess why.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Astonished (27th Jan 2015 - 14:56:51) J P, You are assuming that neither the SDNP authority or the Forestry Commission have done nothing with no proof of that what-so-ever. I know nothing of any action the SDNP may have instigated but I do know that the FC have. You invite people to draw their own conclusions as to why no action has been taken by either authority as if you wish to suggest some sort of impropriety has taken place. That is quite a serious implication. If I was the gentleman from the FC mentioned in an earlier posting on this thread, I would take great umbrage at your insinuation. By the way, I would point out to you that I have nothing to do with the FC, SDNP or Old Thorns. I simply think your comment defamatory, wildly speculative and unfair.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - liz (27th Jan 2015 - 15:48:12) Astonished I think you might have read a bit much into JP's remarks. In the past such bodies as the FC and various councils have had limited powers - they can impose fines but these are likely to have limited impact on the development potential.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - JP (28th Jan 2015 - 09:59:49) Thank you Liz !!!! Dear Astonished,Everyone is entitled to an opinion including you and that is why I invited people to take their own view. You are the one blowing it out of proportion in my view too. I assume you know and visit the area in question frequently and therefore are entitled to your view too but please do not object to others comments in a rude manner. This is a community web site and we need to keep it under control and polite.

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - Joanne (8th Jan 2018 - 12:46:39) Yet more sprawling development towards the residential properties - see the latest planning application 21589/105

Re: Further over development at Old Thorns - James (8th Jan 2018 - 13:16:01) Yes this application wants to reduce the copse of trees between Old thorns and the housing estate to increase car parking in the area in front of the brand new huge 51 apartments/flats building they have recently built. You have to think that they want to ensure each apartment/flat has it's own parking space.

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