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Development application at OSU - Sue W (30th Nov 2007  09:43:43) Keeping the topic of 'development' going - have you heard about the planning application for the last plot of OSU. To summerise it is for: 51 Class 2 close care/assisted living apartments, 74 bed Class 2 nursing home, 14 young physically disabled bedrooms, 4 key worker flats, 24 affordable housing, 650sqm of B1 Business use, 20 space station carpark, a new access off canada way, Community Centre, Class A3 Restaurant and Cafe, Class A1 shop, Consulting rooms, D2 gym/rehab together with parking. Is this necessary? - or could this land be much more suitable for the new football pitch?

Re: Development application at OSU - Chris Taylor (30th Nov 2007  10:30:38) It makes the Bohunt Manor application even more irrelavant and even less plausible as it appears (perhaps I'm mistaken) that the OSU is classified brown field and therefore falls into the government's priority housing development criteria. At least this OSU application seems to be concentrating more on the needs of the community by providing a greater relative proportion of community friendly accomodation instead of just another sprawl of lucrative executive housing.

Re: Development application at OSU - liz (30th Nov 2007  10:56:14) The remaining OSU site would seem an ideal location for a football pitch (but is it big enough?) but I doubt that whoever owns it (Sainsbury's?) would be prepared to give up that much land. - Although it really would be doing something for the community! The owners of Bohunt are only prepared to do that as a 'planning gain' for the rest of thier proposed development. It would be interesting to know what EHDC and our Parish Council really see as the future for Liphook as it looks as though it is going to be the first substantial settlement with good rail and road links outside the northern boundary of the South Downs National Park. Seems to take a lot of pressure off Peterfield and its surrounding villages but leaves Liphook vulnerable.

Re: Development application at OSU - Rhys G (30th Nov 2007  14:23:53) Not being included in the South Downs National Park is, as Liz says, going to open up Liphook as an easier target for development with less regulatory and planning restrictions. Seems we are almost being punished for living in a pleasant, convenient location – but then these I guess are the areas which there is the demand for more housing. We need to get an outline of what EHDC have in store for Liphook over the next 5/10 years. What type of developments, which parts of Liphook? A Village Development Statement would be useful… After Bohunt Manor and the remaining OSU site, is there any other large areas of land left in Liphook/Bramshott?

Re: Development application at OSU - Russell & Irene Ellis (4th Dec 2007  16:41:33) It is good to read that you are concerned about Bohunt Manor site but this is going to happen sometime in the future but the plans for the OSU site are going to planning on Dec 10th with the Parish council for approval or NOT. This is about a Brown Field site, which means it is a designated site for employment and not as Chris Taylor says’s for HOUSES in any form and how can you say a nursing home will benefit the community. We already have nursing homes and sheltered housing which must be more than adequate for Liphook residents as there are always vacancies. Do you know that there was an appeal on this site when Tifftop Ltd wanted to build houses on the site? The appeals government official said at the time that it was imperative that this site be kept for employment only, as it is the only Brown Field site left in Liphook The plan proposed is for a Nursing Home with associated houses with very small business units to make it look good. . Deep Harbour Properties Ltd are trying to say that a Nursing home is employment but employment for whom and is this the sort of employment we need? They are also appealing about planning refusal on this site Ref APP/M1710A/07/2057753/NWF. Look it up. Did you also know that a developer put in plans for retail and Business Park, which was just what we needed? It was passed by the Parish Council and then the developer promptly withdrew them. We can only assume that they were hoping the plans would be refused or the landowner would not sell for this type of development!!!!!!!!!! As the land has never been marketed probably we also assume that they think if they leave the site empty long enough they will get permission for houses and once they have built just a few they will then go on to fill the whole site with houses. They will build houses on spec but they will not build a retail park on spec. WHY !!!!!!!! We desperately need to attract more businesses to Liphook to give employment for local people but also to support the residents of Liphook. Where do you think the money comes from to support voluntary organizations such as Age Concern, Voluntary Care, Day Centre, Liphook in Bloom ect, and even the schools approach businesses for support? Building a nursing home will do nothing to help any of this in fact it will only stretch the purse even thinner. As for employment it will be just a few part time workers. Nothing for our school leavers and what do they call affordable homes? Anything is affordable if you have money. I have lived in Liphook all my live and have seen it turn from a lovely village to housing dormitory. Hundreds of houses have already been built some on green field sites and a good number on brown field employment sites leaving this as the last site for regeneration of commerce in the village. Population size it is now a small town but with no facilities. It has also been divided into two. By developing this site with businesses it will bring the 2 halves together benefiting everyone. It is time to stop being flippant about this Brown Field site. If you really do care about Liphook, you should seriously think about this very valuable site (not in money but in the needs of all the residents in Liphook) and attend the planning meeting on December 10th. This issue is not in the future but NOW and once houses are built on it we will have lost it for good. Very Worried Residents>See you there

Re: Development application at OSU - Steve Read (4th Dec 2007  18:08:49) Russell & Irene, Spot on with your post. For those who attended the first public meeting many moons ago regarding the future plans of the OSU site will remember that a great deal of what you refer to in your post were proposed at that meeting, only to fall on deaf ears. I have mentioned on here in the past that we really missed the boat in providing Liphook with what it really needed and still does today, with the correct development of this site. However sadly this never came to fruition, and I do not think it ever will. Sainsbury's can't be blamed for good business sense in purchasing the site, selling off for houses, buttering up the PC with a Millenium Hall (does anybody use it)? a token gesture of a bit of green in the middle and getting their store built for nought in the process. For all the huffing and puffing of the PC this parcel of land will be used to build more houses, no doubt about it. Commercial development although in my opinion really needed as you have highlighted in your post will not happen. Reasons. 1) Not enough profit in it. 2) The Square due to the ridiculous "Village Enhancement Scheme" (Thats the bit where the footpaths around the Square are bigger than the road through it) means access problems. Be honest you only need one bus or lorry unloading by the Anchor and you have total gridlock, plus three crossing points within 100 yards. 3) The view from all the houses overlooking the green would just love the outlook over a commercial park. Expect them residents to go diddly doo, although as you say this land was always earmarked for this type of development. Still there you go, on the brightside as I was reminded on here a few months ago those of us who have lived here all our lives have got to be so grateful for the increase in equity in our properties from all the new developments and home owners. Thankyou, especially Phil MN, your donations are much appreciated.

Re: Development application at OSU - Sue W (4th Dec 2007  18:53:04) I think you have pointed out many of the things that a number of us have express over the months - that the last piece was and should be for the extension of the Beaver Industrial Estate. You have expressed a wish for a 'retail Park' - does that mean the larger retail outlets like - Halfords, JJB sports, Robert Dyas, Hobbycraft, Clinton Cards PC World, Harveys etc or do you actually mean Business - that produce products/offer services and use full time professional/semi-professional workers? Its well documented that Businesses support Businesses and in turn support the community as you have said. Liphook suffers from a population that work away and spend where they work - we need that here!! I wonder how many local Businesses would not survive without each other?

Re: Development application at OSU - Nikki Young (4th Dec 2007  19:27:20) I would just like to clarify that the Millenium Centre IS well used. Many groups and clubs run from here. For example Age Concern run lunch clubs, this is a valuble provision for the elderly,many of whom look forward to a hearty and healthy meal provided by our caterer. To name a few other groups who use our facility on a regular basis = Weight Watchers/ st John Ambulance Cadets/childminders group/Lamps/Time to Sign/ u3a computer club-craft group-tai chi-bridge club/ post natal classes/pilates/mollie moocows moosic/touching times baby massage/dance classes/body conditioning. Alongside regular events, we hold Cinema evenings, the last show being Shrek 3 . We have fantastic staging for shows and performances alongside top of the range audience seating gallery. We hold wedding receptions and even wedding ceremonies . So in a nutshell the Millenium Centre is a valuble asset to the Liphook community , why not come along to our forthcoming Cinema evening on January 4th to see the film Atonement.

Re: Development application at OSU - Chris Taylor (4th Dec 2007  20:50:45) It sounds Russell and Irene as though you have given up on Bohunt Manor already which is a shame really as the more that oppose it and make their voices known the less chance it will have to succeed. Of course the OSU should be turned over to retail development and of course we do not need yet another nursing home. But for some reason it is looking less and less likely that it will be a retail site as the protracted argument about its use trundles to an end. So, why can't hands be forced? Why are we and our Parish Council and EHDC allowing a small group of people who happen to be privileged enough to own all of this land in and around our village to do what suits them and not what suits the community? In the case of Bohunt Manor it suits the community to leave it as it is and with the OSU it suits the community to build for new businesses. It's all too easy these days to buy land, get planning permission, dump scores of cheaply built houses on it and swagger away with a profit from your investment. Building a retail park involves adherence to regulations that go way beyond those of housing and it is generally less profitable in the short term. So housing = more profit and that is what drives these chancers NOT the needs of the community. It is also quite fortuitous for those that have managed to purchase and accumulate large tracts of our local countryside that the Government is keen to build more houses to meet so called demand. However, if it comes to choosing between Bohunt Manor (relatively unspoiled countryside) and the OSU (magnificent eyesore since 1998) for yet more bl@@dy housing to meet whatever government quota we must meet then sorry, but there's no contest.

Re: Development application at OSU - Gill (4th Dec 2007  20:51:06) Slightly outside of Liphook, but would certainly have an impact, HCC Mineral Extraction Plan impacts enormously on Bordon / Whitehill, but creeps sneakily as far as Standford and Hollywater. All land restoration is intended to be housing. Whilst parts of the plan have merit, the scale is entirely disproportionate to the facilities already in place and planned. The impact of gravel lorries on Liphook would be considerable. There seems to be little consideration for the ecology of the area and sand extraction would undoubtably have a detrimental effect on the protected sites in the vicinity (Eg Passfield Common, Hollywater Green etc). Please look at the plans and comment. Consultation was for 6 weeks and finishes on 12TH DECEMBER. Please look at the Hampshire County Council website and look at the plans. I am trying to put my hands on the correct link but can't find it at the moment! Please don't let the CC destroy any more of our beautiful countryside. Thanks Gill Hollywater Society

Re: Development application at OSU - Rhys G (4th Dec 2007  23:17:25) Gill, would it be possible to point out which one. It may be on the following link. Link

Re: Development application at OSU - Niall G (5th Dec 2007  00:14:08) There are a lot of good points here and I hope local peoples' views will prevail, as if they don't it will be a sorry commentary on how we have chosen to govern ourselves. There was one comment that jarred though; Sue you say people 'who live in Liphook work away and spend where they work'. My experience is that even though some of us do work away there is a concerted effort, and a lot of money going into supporting local businesses. Where people do shop away from home is largely because a) prices are lower b) the choice is better, or c) the cost, or opportunity to purchase, is associated with where you are visiting. I think were you to get some figures they would show a significant net return on people working away from Liphook over those employed locally; whether we can create more employment for local people is another matter though.

Re: Development application at OSU - liz (5th Dec 2007  09:23:13) I'm not sure why there is so much objection to a nursing home on the OSU site. It provides a facility which demographics suggest will be increasingly in demand. I think you'll find that a nursing home employes more than "a few part time workers".

Re: Development application at OSU - Rhys G (5th Dec 2007  10:05:40) The developers suggest the proposed development will create 145 jobs (see here). If however, the whole area was to be used for B1 and B2 land uses, I believe the number employed through the site will be much greater than this 145. Furthermore, the Council's own plan suggests this land should be used for "Industrial and Business Allocation", see here. So why should we accept a proposal that goes against the Local Plan our Council have drawn up, and probably won't create as much emplpoyment as other land uses. But then again, are the new jobs going to be undertaken by existing or new villagers? If the latter, where will they be housed?!?

Re: Development application at OSU - Russell & Irene Ellis (5th Dec 2007  11:10:51) We think you have read it wrong Chris. We have not given up on Bohunt and like you we do not want to see houses on it. The point we are making is that the OSU site will be decided next week but the Bohunt site is in it early stages and if you think that by allowing houses on the OSU site will stop them building on Bohunt then think again. We were hoping that some of you instead of writing on this web site would do something positive to stop these developers ruining our village. The plan that was passed by the Parish Council was for a mix of small retail and businesses units of various sizes. The design was very sympatric to the area and a lot of screening with trees. What ever you think should be there apart from one we all seem to be in agreement that we do not want houses or another nursing home. As for the 145 jobs they say the home would create do we want this sort of employment??? They cannot fill the vacancies in the other homes and most of the staff they have come from out of the area so where are the other 145 to come from. (Bus them in I suppose.) The only reason we have written on this site is to try and highlight the urgent of trying to stop the developers building 90% living accommodation on Liphooks last BOWN FIELD SITE. And the only way we are going to do that is to attend all relevant meetings and have our say. If the plans go through on DECEMBER 10th we will have lost it. But far from us given up on Bohunt it looks as if you have all given up on the OSU site. And a merry Christmas to you all.

Re: Development application at OSU - liz (5th Dec 2007  11:41:00) Russell & Irene I wouldn't be too scathing about this site. Without this some of us wouldn't be aware of some of the issues (eg The Bohunt Meeting in my case). Secondly it is not an EITHER/OR issue - I think its quite clear that most people get involved in other ways. So if you you don't want "that type of employment" as you describe it, with regard to the nursing home, what exactly do you envisage?

Re: Development application at OSU - Chris (5th Dec 2007  12:38:08) Writing on this site is a way of highlighting the problem. I assume that it is read by more people than contribute to it so at least word gets around. The Parish Council and EHDC have the power to prevent innappropriate development so lobby them hard as well. If we all had a pound for every letter we have written to EHDC about the ridiculous imbalance in the planning procedure and the irreperable damage it causes then we would probably have enough to buy the Bohunt land from Cox and co as well as the OSU. The only choice we have is to attend the meetings and object both verbally and in writing. Perhaps even hold a protest. After all apathy is the "developer's" best weapon and our worst enemy.

Re: Development application at OSU - Sue W (5th Dec 2007  20:27:23) Nial Sorry that my comment Jarred - but strange, as it only states the fact that people DO buy where they work - I certainly have and so too did the folks I worked with. I spent much of my wages on the shops in Haslemere, when I worked there. If you find highlighting the fact that a large proportion of our community work away and therefore buy away surprises me. I surley hope you do not jump on the train back to buy your lunch and essentials in your lunch hour and then return? The subject is about the use of the OSU and the need for Business - let Liphook benifit from those working here to use our Businesses in their Lunch hour too, and you never know some of those who spend time and money travelling may well find a job here! In fact having another 'retirement' site will do exactly that - they will not be as keen to travel distances so for those businesses here it will be a bonus. My worry is for a greater sustainability for the future balance of Liphook. At times I really dont know why I bother.

Re: Development application at OSU - Russell & Irene Ellis (5th Dec 2007  21:38:05) Liz We were not scathing about this site we were doing exactly as you said making people aware of the planning meeting on the OSU site, which will be held on DEC 10th. So see you there. We will also try to be at any other meetings about developments in Liphook that affects the Liphook residents. As for your other comment about what is required on the site please read our letter again. Spot on CHRIS with your comment. Our letters have gone to EHDC on the new plans and the planning appeal on the first plans submitted by the same developer.

Re: Development application at OSU - Niall G (6th Dec 2007  08:48:59) Sue, Me neither. Niall

Re: Development application at OSU - liz (6th Dec 2007  09:35:22) Russell and Irene I have now read your two extensive posts very carefully. Doesn't seem to be anything too specific but a general focus on 'business and retail' which is pretty vague. Then you seem to be against the current proposals for having just a few small business units. From this I conclude your real interest is in retail - despite local shops already struggling and a number vacant. There also seem to be vacant sites on Liphook's existing industrial estate. I don't think it is correct to say that a brownfield site cannot be allocated for housing. (For the record I have no particular interest in nursing homes beyond the recognition that more will be needed - and they are better sited close to local facilities. Also noting the very good care given to a relative in a local home by local people - whom I hold in high regard.)

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