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Bohunt Development - liz (2nd Mar 2010 - 12:48:39) I have just looked at the proposed development proposals for a football field, cricket pitch and associated buildings etc.on the Bohunt site. No problem in principal. I had assumed these would be adjacent or at least close to the exisitng pitches at Bohunt school. However it seems the plan is to build them close to the exising Bohunt entrance (where the trees were removed and the field gate is now) with an associated 4-way roundabout at the Station Road/Portsmouth Rd junction. It will be a huge change of scenery at the southern entrance/exit to the village plus the associated noise and intrusive floodlighting. Increased traffic from the proposed development at Silent Garden has already been considered as a potential problem for this stretch of road. This will generate far more at peak periods. Finally, I thought the purpose of the National Park was to preserve the natural views and landscape - the view towards Weavers Down is one of the best as you drive or walk through the village and it seems we are to lose even that! The next thing no doubt will be a request for 'infill' housing.

Re: Bohunt Development - Karen F (2nd Mar 2010 - 14:50:19) Anyone want to buy my house? Has lovely views of open fields, Bohunt Manor and Weavers Down, at the moment....... Soon to be replaced with views of floodlights, sweaty sportsmen and lots of extra cars!!! Don't mind the sweaty sportsmen so much but floodlights - NOOOOO. Have enough trouble sleeping with the noise of traffic, don't make my bedroom light up aswell now!!!

Re: Bohunt Development - Robert Douglas (2nd Mar 2010 - 15:21:48) Yet more incremental, rather than strategic, thinking. The sensible thing to do would be start to make Bohunt a genuine community centre, by focusing all the sport facilities (including new ones) there (and building a swimming pool?), moving the Junior and Infant Schools onto the same site - releasing the present site in the Avenue for housing - and moving things like the Doctors' surgeries there too. But that would require thinking - something which all the development plans, parish plans, and building plans in the world will never achieve.

Re: Bohunt Development - Neil (2nd Mar 2010 - 16:13:47) Robert, I think you find the issue is who owns the land around Bohunt, from what I have herd the person that owns the Land (not too hard to find out who) did ask the council if they wanted his Land to build new school and make the site bigger in exchange for the old School site but this was turned down. Just to add not by the PC this was county level

Re: Bohunt Development - Phil (2nd Mar 2010 - 21:45:21) Any chance the developers could put in a toilet for dogs, please? We need one around here ....

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (5th Mar 2010 - 09:31:54) It seems our Parish councillors are all recorded as having a personal and prejudicial interest in the application at Bohunt Manor as it was "submitted for all the people of Liphook". Therefore there were no objections and planning is being decided under delegated powers without even going to committee. I know the PC have to do this but surely they have a responsibiliy to raise awareness. - A small road widening at Old Thorns prompted press reports and a resignation! The plans for the football and cricket pitches, the medical centre, new access roads and roundabout cover a substantial area. The application is being made by a company based in Lichtenstein who presumably will not want the develpment to stop there. I would like to know why we have heard so little about this, surely there should have been some form of public consultation. This thread doesn't seem to have generated much interest, but I know from talking to people in the village that there is not a huge groundswell of opinion in favour of this, to put it mildly.

Re: Bohunt Development - Helen M (5th Mar 2010 - 13:41:59) hi - there was a public forum a few months ago in the Millenium centre. it wasn't very well advertised and i only knew about it because we are in talking to the PC about the play park. Its worth noting that we have been told that the funds gathered from the developers contribrutions are going towards this football pitch etc and therefore not towards a new play park. Wether this is true or not was under hot debate. If you don't want it - TELL THE PARISH COUNCIL! The Council are there to act on behalf of what the community wants!

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (5th Mar 2010 - 14:46:56) Thanks for the info Helen. Did many attend the public forum? It's probably a bit late for me to tell the Parish Council now that the planning consultation period has closed, unfortunately. I find it interesting that the PC can all declare a 'personal and prejudicial interest', then all vote in favour. Don't they have to leave the room (probably unrealistic) or at least not vote? - Even if they presume they are voting with the backing of "all the people of Liphook".

Re: Bohunt Development - barbara (8th Mar 2010 - 12:16:20) Hi I was unaware that there has been a blanket declaration, of interest. I was not asked so the statement has been made as a whole. I did raise some queries at the time it came before the planning committee but the vote was taken and approved. Unfortunately as there are six or seven on the planning committee one person cannot outvote the rest! I have reservations regarding the need for a roundabout at the exit and all extra traffic generated, but it was felt that there was no other land up for sale in the liphook area which would have been large enough. Presumably Bohunt do not own any more land upon which to build.

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (8th Mar 2010 - 15:52:16) The proposed cricket pitch, football field, allotments and medical centre appear spread out over a large site. Presumably the rest will be used for housing in due course on the argument that the areas between will be unsuitable for agriculture. So much for the National Park. I know that doesn't preclude development, but it's not a very good start is it? The Liphook Magazine was enthusiastic about the greater level of planning protection we would have for those areas within the National Park - but this sizeable development with associated roads and additional traffic volumes is being decided under delegated powers! - It makes rather a nonsense of the whole thing.

Re: Bohunt Development - Helen M (9th Mar 2010 - 21:49:48) i beleive the housing is scheduled in the pc's plan for 2024 but dont quote me. perhaps if someone of knowledge could enlighten us? maybe the pc's plan could be made public? I councillor Jordan (who i think is fab) comes on here every now and then. maybe he could help us?

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (10th Mar 2010 - 07:55:33) Any information would be helpful. After all the fuss over Silent Garden I'm amazed there is so little interest in the development - either for or against. Apparently about 100 people attended the public forum, seems most people didn't know about it. Apart from the potential development in the National Park, do we, in a recession, really have enough spare cash to afford both a another new cricket ground and new football pitch? Are there not other priorities in the village?

Re: Bohunt Development - simon c (10th Mar 2010 - 08:37:41) an earlier thread states that these two applications(39366/010 and 39366/011) will be handled 'under delegated powers'. I wonder where that mis-information came from. Both applications are likely to be on the South Planning Committee agenda on 1 April 2010. The need for additional playing pitches in the Parish was identified in the East Hampshire District Local Plan(p162) some years ago and was warmly welcomed at the consultation event which took place.

Re: Bohunt Development - Neil (10th Mar 2010 - 09:38:11) Liz, not sure you answered if you live down Portsmouth Road. The local kids get enough grief from people about them hanging around the village we should be supporting them and offering better grounds. Not sure your aware the local Football teams are doing very well and do not have enough space to play there games so some are split between the recreation ground and Bohunt it would make much more sense to have this in one place. Also if the pitches are moved then the recreation ground can have the bars that are around the pitch removed which I am sure people will much prefer. I think you will find a lot more people know about it, it was in all the local papers and not just a small advert I think it even had half the front page in the Herald might be worth contacting them.

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (10th Mar 2010 - 10:34:41) Neil Didn't know I had been asked where I lived (and can't see it in the thread) but as it seems to matter to you, I don't live in the Portsmouth Road and, before you ask, am not directly affected by the development. I look forward to the lack of teenagers 'hanging aorund' if these facilities are completed. (Do you really believe that? Not everone is interested in football - Those that are interested are likely to be already involved particularly as our teams are doing well). simon c The applications you mention both are recorded as 'Expected decision level : Delegated'. Apologies if this does not mean what I think. (I'll be very relieved). Although we would probably like improved football facilities I don't believe this should overide everything else when we have two existing grounds. We also have an excellent cricket ground at Ripsley. I have no objection in principle to new sports grounds providing we have the spare cash (see start of thread), but I'm not sure why they need to be spread over such a large area - taking a large area of agricultural land potentially out of production.

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (10th Mar 2010 - 12:43:25) simon c You say that the need for additional playing pitches in the Parish was identified in the East Hampshire local plan some years ago. Interesting to note that in the Parish Survey Report (2 years ago) under Sport and Leisure (P6) it says "The main factor influencing households increased use of facilities would be more choice of activities". Presumably that does not mean more of what we already have.

Re: Bohunt Development - Martin (11th Mar 2010 - 11:38:47) All I have long suspected that the area opposite the end of station road is on the developers radar. Not long after the new road layout, sports pitches and medical facilities will come the infill housing. Combine this with the Silent Garden development and the threat of Lowsley Farm being developed and we are soon going to find Liphook swamped with new housing. Lowsley Farm will impact on the rural environment of the Longmoor Road as the developer will need to gain access to the site as the access through The Avenue / Yeomans Lane is not suitable for the amount of housing proposed ie 155 houses. All the rural fringes of our village will be ruined in due course. Very sad.

Re: Bohunt Development - Stephen (12th Mar 2010 - 19:17:08) The Football Club and others have been waiting for new pitches and facilities for years! It was talked about a long time ago and the playing fields were put into the Local Plan. I think they are really important and should be the first thing the local councils should spend their money on. It was advertised really well - I think I remember a big spread in the newspaper with pictures of the plans. The event at the Millennium Centre was great, very informative, and the kids loved the drinks and the ice creams. We really need new playing fields, pavillions, and allotments. An important investment for the future of Liphook. The play park is a recent idea and is a "no brainer" against playing fields and other things like allotments. Just paint up the play park a bit and perhaps replace the swings and that would be fine.

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (16th Mar 2010 - 11:13:48) Stephen You say that new football pitches are "Very important and should be the first thing that the local councils should spend their money on". I think that is overstating the case just a little. - As is saying that the event was 'Very well advertised' - I must have missed buying the Herald that week as did a few others no doubt! I'm sure the 1% or so of the people of Liphook who were there had a nice time with their kids and the ice creams, but I still think the issue and its longer term implications, not to mention budgeting, has not been properly thought through.

Re: Bohunt Development - Stephen (16th Mar 2010 - 18:07:06) liz - whatever!

Re: Bohunt Development - Helen M (16th Mar 2010 - 23:10:02) Stephen - very grown up,well done. As for your previous post, saying that the play park just needs a new coat of paint is plain wrong and surely from your point of view VERY short sighted. The idea of a play park is for children aged 0-11years to get out in a safe and secure area, get fresh air and exercise. We want more physically demanding and risk taking equipment so that our children can learn to keep fit, interact and be adventurous! They will be far more likely to move onto playing football and other such good outdoor activites/exercise if they have good quality play equipment than if they have a painted set of swings and a rubbish slide that gets glass smashed on it every night - frankly i'm not surprised the kids would rather stay in and watch tele than go outside to that play park!! Your short sightedness astounds me. Oh and i was there at the millenium hall to SUPPORT you and the football pitches (despite being one half of the driving force behind getting a new play park i believe we should support each other!) and i noted that most people were more interested in the medical centre rather than the sports pitches. in fact we were asked to fill out a form about the sports becuase there hadn't been a very good turn out.

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (17th Mar 2010 - 08:28:56) Why can't a medical centre be incorporated in the development of the (still empty) patch of land left over from the OSU site? Last suggestion I heard was mixed use.

Re: Bohunt Development - Helen M (17th Mar 2010 - 09:10:34) what a fab idea! only downside is making the sainsbury road even busier but much better there than on bohunt, taking away one of our last green views!!

Re: Bohunt Development - Eneida (17th Mar 2010 - 09:29:09) That's a very good idea Liz!!! I think, if we really need a medical centre, it should be in the middle of the village, so that everybody can easily walk to it and not stuck on the outskirts....I'd have a very long walk from the Headley Road.

Re: Bohunt Development - Russ Ellis (17th Mar 2010 - 17:10:32) Liz and others If you really are interested in what goes on in the village I think you should read all the papers and look at the parish office web site before you comment. The councillors have worked very hard to keep the OSU site as an industrial/retail park which was agreed when Sainsbury’s bought the whole piece of land. Twice there has been planning applications put in for housing or some housing and they have managed to get it turned down. The last application was for a nursing home and associated housing which was turned down by the PC. When it went to east hants council planning meeting it was in the papers and I wrote a piece on this web site and asking for anyone interested to join me by attending the meeting to show a united front of our disapproval of our last remaining industrial site in Liphook used for housing. The only other person apart from myself to attend was Dr Rushton. She told the council that the doctors in Liphook would really like to have a piece of the land to build a health centre which was desperately needed. After a long debate when Anna James gave it her all, the application was turned down by 1 vote. But of course like all developers do, they appealed. Once again it was in all the papers and once again I asked for support on this web site. The developers turned up with ontourorge of London solicitors who certainly had no interest in Liphook or its needs. The East Hants Council had one solicitor who appeared not to have done much homework. I spent 3 day at the millennium hall waiting to give my opinion as a life time resident and being self employed with my own workshop for 37yrs. Near the end of the 3rd day it was obvious that it was going to have to go on another day and as time had run out at the Millennium Hall the government minister asked me if I could go to Penns Place the next day. I spent another day waiting and they still had not finished so they asked me if I would like to speak then to save me going another day. At no time during the appeal did any other resident appear. Had we shown a united front the decision could have been different? As it is the developers won the day and they now have permission to build yet another nursing home and houses. This was some time ago but as no work has started I guess, as they have permission to make some of it residential they are sitting on it and waiting for the right time to put another planning application in for all housing. So Liz if you feel passionate enough about how the ground at Bohunt Manor is used I suggest that instead of writing letters on this web site which is only seen by a small amount of residents go into the parish office and they will tell you all the details and all of you get out from behind your computers and attend planning meetings. If you are against the planning then see if you can drum up like feeling parishioners to fight it. Good luck to you because if you get as much support as I did you are fighting a losing battle.

Re: Bohunt Development - Nick H (17th Mar 2010 - 22:27:41) I've just picked up on this thread after a long absence. It's good to see all this debate on a topic that's been worrying me for a long time. I did go to the developers' meeting at the Millennium Hall and pressed the planning consultant very hard for a commitment that there would be no application for housing on the Bohunt Manor site - which of course he wouldn't give (the best he would say was that there didn't seem to be any further demand for housing sites at present). I was going to post a thread on this site at the time but concluded that I would be shouted down by the football / medical lobby - even though like several others I can't see why Bohunt can't be used for the football ground and the OSU site for the medical centre. (Russell, I'm sure there's still scope for an amended planning application on the OSU site if a developer concludes that there is demand for other uses - I think the problem has been so far that the case for non-residential use hasn't been proved.) Does anyone remember that the current owners made a previous proposal for residential development on the Bohunt Manor site? We were all invited along to the Millennium Hall on the misleading pretext that we were being invited to choose the facilities which we would like to see built in the village - when in fact the real issue was the housing for which the facilities were no more than a bribe. Anna James, for the Parish Council, tried very hard to steer the meeting away from the housing issue and I had to ask myself why she didn't want us to discuss it. Now the owners - with the same planning consultant - are once again offering the facilities. It would be a crumb of comfort to hear from the Parish Council that nothing has been said to any members about what the owners are expecting in return for their generosity. I also remember a planning meeting at the Parish Council offices some years earlier when the council was very keen to press the idea of a link road from the Portsmouth Road / Station Road junction to Longmoor Road, with plans to infill all the land between the new road and the village centre. Can the council assure us that this is no longer on the agenda? I'm delighted to see some fresh blood joining the council in the form of Dr Judge, uncontaminated by the baggage of battles past. Perhaps Dr Judge - as a supporter of the new medical centre - could make it her job to make sure that we receive the assurances that we need if the proposal is to go ahead. Just remember - it's the open aspect of the roads leading to the village centre which make Liphook what it still is - a large village not a suburb. Once that goes then the very rationale for wanting to live here disappears - which would be ironic really, wouldn't it? Once the precedent has been set for developing within the rim of the National Park then nothing in the village will be safe.

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (18th Mar 2010 - 08:36:14) I try to keep up with events as far as possible but it usually takes a lot of time and research to keep up with what is going on. A summary of key issues on the PC website would be very useful (the office is only open during working hours, when, surprisingly enough, most people are working). I had heard about the application for houses and a nursing home on the OSU site and didn't object as it seems more appropriate than having a big industrial site in the centre of the village. (And, no, for those who always want to know these things, I don't live next to it) I don't know that there had been attempts to locate a doctor's surgery there. I'm sure there would have been more support if more people knew about it. Communication really does seem to be an issue.

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (18th Mar 2010 - 16:07:10) I thought that the PC were being naive with the Sainsbury's development - which has since proved to be correct. (Store now larger then originally promised, selling non-food items which compete with local shops and the subsequent debacle over the remainder of the site.) I think they are being equally naive about the Bohunt site. I don't think for a minute they are stupid, but there does seem to be a very short sighted 'head in the sand' attitude. Anna James not wanting to discuss the potential housing issue (if correct) would fit with this. It seems to me that the short term desperation to be seen to be doing something positive by providing 'facilities', be it a Millenium Hall, a village green or another football pitch is undermining any long term planning concerns.

Re: Bohunt Development - Dawn Hoskins (19th Mar 2010 - 13:58:45) Public meeting in millennium hall. 7.30 Monday 29th March You can ask about anything you want - all the councillors are there lined up and waiting for the public...... It is the AGM

Re: Bohunt Development - East Hampshire District Counciliuncil; (19th Mar 2010 - 16:57:56) The District Council wishes to make it clear that, in the Draft Core Strategy, it is not proposing to allocate new housing sites at Liphook for the period to 2026 beyond that already committed (sites with planning permission and the reserve sites and any windfall sites (unidentified sites in the present built up area). The possibility of development at Bohunt Manor has been suggested by planning agents on behalf of landowners. Their response to the Council's consultation on the Core Strategy suggests that the frontage land at Bohunt Manor should be shown as a strategic mixed use allocation. They argue that this should be in place of the reserve site at Lowsley Farm. They state that their proposals would comprise a genuinely mixed-use exemplar scheme that would meet the need for community facilities, new sport and recreational land, new employment opportunities, tourism and mixed tenure housing needs. The DIstrict Council is presently considering the responses to the consultation on the Core Strategy. It will submit its final version to the Government after further consultation. The Government will hold an Examination to test the soundness of the Core Strategy.

Re: Bohunt Development - Dawn Hoskins (20th Mar 2010 - 12:08:45) Thank you for your post EHDC but what do these mean in English please strategic mixed use allocation..... mixed use exemplar scheme...... Many thanks Dawn

Re: Bohunt Development - Nick H (20th Mar 2010 - 18:50:54) Clear enough though Dawn - they want more development on the site. This is the real price of all those lovely free facilities. Thanks but no thanks I think? All down to the meeting on the 29th then!!! Nick

Re: Bohunt Development - Michael (21st Mar 2010 - 13:14:08) I did go along to the meeting at the Millenium Hall. I thought it was well advertised and attended. I went along to offer my support and opinions on new sport facilities that i believe are much needed in a growing village the size of ours. I have lived in the village for 48 years and in all of that time no new sports areas have been made available even though the population has increased. The football and cricket clubs do tremendous work for both children and adults of the village with very limited facilities. I gather both clubs have between 250-300 members each, with sole use of only 1 cricket square and 1 full size football pitch. These clubs between them occupy there members all year round and not just one night a year so i believe we as a village should support these plans for these much needed sports pitches. If not here then can anyone on here tell me where else in the village could they go? Taking in that a lot of children who play sport need to be able to walk to the venue. Michael

Re: Bohunt Development - Rodney (21st Mar 2010 - 16:02:05) I have to agree with Michael, new sports facilities are badly needed in the village. The presentation at the Millenium Hall was publicised very well and was followed up by a front page article in the Liphook Herald. For once lets get behind the Parish Council and support them in trying to support the nead for aditional sporting facilities which has been public for many years. They have spent a lot of time trying to find suitable land near the centre of the village that would be suitable. For the record the land identified for the new Football faclity is currently agricultural land that the farmer would not get planning permission for, but has agreed to seel it to the Parish Council to support their need for such land. I fully understand peoples worries about continued housing development in the village but at all of the plans that I have seen submitted there has been no housing proposals. As a village lets get behind the new sports facilities and not let peoples worry over housing spoil something that could benefit not only a lot of people now but also people in the future.

Re: Bohunt Development - Nick H (21st Mar 2010 - 22:55:27) Michael, Rodney, you may well be right about the need for new football facilities. (I'm not aware that the cricket club has expressed a need for a new ground and I know that they have invested in upgrading their existing pavilion - but I may have missed something.) But this is not about sports (or medical) facilities. This is about "mixed use" development along the frontage of Portsmouth Road, in place of the reserve housing land at Lowsley Farm and including "mixed tenure housing needs". Rodney, just read the post above from EHDC. If the facilities are needed then let's put them somewhere else. I haven't yet seen anyone explain why land at Bohunt can't be developed for sports use. After all, it is supposed to be our community sports centre! It's clear these landowners and their consultants are not to be trusted. At the last presentation their planning consultant told me (and I pushed him pretty hard) that the owners had no plans for residential development - so why are they trying to change the Core Strategy to include housing and other uses? The very nicest word I can find for his answer is disingenuous. It's a clever game. By offering us what people want they are trying to establish a precedent. Once they have their permission for sports facilities they can go to EHDC and say that the Core Strategy should be changed because the land is already being developed. Then they will be able to get their planning permission for mixed development, even if the land was once agricultural. Who knows whether they will even bother to go ahead with the sports ground? What's more, they will have set a precedent for the whole of the rim of the national park. I'm just sorry that the Parish Council seems to have fallen for the ruse. If we accept their offer then we are playing into their hands. The price for these facilities is irreparable damage to the fabric of the village. What's the point of getting a football ground for the people who live in the village if the result is that they don't like living here any longer? If the case for a football ground is clear then let's find a more suitable site for it and not be seduced by gifts from dubious developers. If funding is an issue then the Parish can ask for contributions from the other developers who are already seeking planning permission for residential developments elsewhere in the village.

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (22nd Mar 2010 - 09:27:30) Thank you to whoever posted on behalf of EHDC it as very much appreciated and helps clarify the situation a little although it doesn’t address most of my concerns, in fact it adds to them. It seems the developers have asked EHDC to designate the area as ‘strategic mixed use’ as part of its Core Strategy. EHDC says the Core Strategy will be subject of further consultation (with whom?) and a Government “Examination to test the soundness of the Core Strategy”. What exactly does this mean in practice? Could it be that the EHDC and perhaps even some core members of the PC believe that a road connecting Station Road to Longmoor Road with infill facilities for housing, tourism, industry, sports facilities etc could be the way forward for Liphook? I think I’m beginning to understand the ‘head in the sand’ attitude. It doesn’t bear thinking about but I don’t suppose anyone will admit to this. We definitely need a wider public debate before any decisions are made on our behalf. Sports facilities are only the thin end of the wedge which, as Nick has suggested, will make it considerably easier to push ahead for ‘strategic mixed use’ (i.e. full development).

Re: Bohunt Development - Editor (22nd Mar 2010 - 09:42:38) These are some previous threads on the subject - they make interesting reading Thread number 934 Thread number 956 Thread number 1045 There is a very interesting link - still active surprisingly, to the consultants designs for the site - one assumes the council have looked at these and decided that they can't be REAL ! www.nashpartnership.com Alan

Re: Bohunt Development - MARY ARBER (22nd Mar 2010 - 10:13:37) This issue has gone on for soooo...... long - and since 2006 Talkback has discussed this issue. The whole top and bottom of it is that the developers intent is to move the 'centre' of the village - therefore creating more housing opportunities for the landowners who surround the newly created centre. This has been done in so many small towns in the South, and the only way to stop it is to object when asked at the planning committee stage. The suggestion some time ago regarding the requirement for the 'much needed' sports pitches be dealt with when Bordon land is released seems the sensible way forward. Leaving the current agricultural land as they are now. By constantly giving the developers the answers to the questions, gives them more and more 'ammunition' to use to gain their permissions. Rant over !!!! Mary

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (22nd Mar 2010 - 12:15:01) Objecting at the PC planning committee stage wouldn't have carried much weight with everyone so much in favour. The consultation amounted to a meeting only advertised in the Millennium Hall and the Herald as far as I can see. In any event, few people seemed to know about it. What is needed is a clear and detailed policy plan for Liphook with input from all those affected. There doesn't seem to be one and developers can take advantage of this. They don't need to look at our questions and concerns - they are already well ahead! (e.g. OSU - again).

Re: Bohunt Development - Michael (22nd Mar 2010 - 20:53:09) MARY ARBER, Sorry to point out but Bordon is not actually in Liphook so how can we have local playing fields there? Nick Hancock, If i were to take your view anyone living in the following places would not have any interest in this as they were all built since i first moved to this village(sorry in advance if i miss anyone out) Tunbridge Cresent, Paddock Way, Weyland Close, Greenfields Close, Hunters Chase, Tylson Meadow, Allee Drive, Valley Side, The Avenue(parts of), Lark Rise, Hurst Close, Yeoman Lane, Chalcroft Close, Wykwood, The Maltings, Locke Road, Manor Fields, Chiltlee Manor, Victoria Way, The Firs, Larch Close, Winnipeg Close, Ottawa Drive, Ontario Way, Canada Way, Huran Drive, Fletchers Field, Bircholt Road(parts), Longmoor Drive, Fairway Close, Beechcroft Close, Chiltley Way, Shephards Way, Willow Gardens, Chestnut Close, Ash Grove plus any infill. I'm sorry Nick but things move on.

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (23rd Mar 2010 - 07:52:05) Michael Things move on - always. But its usually much better if you know where you're going and how you're going to get there. "That's progress" is the biggest cop-out. Yes we need more facilities and eventually more housing - but I don't think we want to spoil the beauty of where we live in the process. I know some people don't care - but I would suggest that the majority do. - At least people should be made fully aware of what is happening and allowed to express their views. If the majority want the National Park borders built on, then fine.

Re: Bohunt Development - Mike (23rd Mar 2010 - 09:19:41) Correct me if I am wrong, are the latest Bohunt Development plans not for additional Sporting facilities and a new Surgery. Everytime that the Parish Council try and do some good to support the local comunity and improve facilities that will benefit people now, there is always someone trying to undo all of the good work that has been done by the Parish Council. To get to this point has not been a 5 minute job, the Parish Council have spent a lot of time trying to identify a piece of land that is suitable for recreational facilitites within nthe village that they could purchase, not an easy task as almost everyone who owns such land is hanging out for the possibility of housing development on their land which carries a higher premium. The fact that they have managed to secure agreement for agricultural land that backs onto Bohunt is testament to all the hard work that they have put in. Could I suggest that we fully support the Sports and Surgery proposal and get behind the Parish Council in this venture. I do not want to see large housing developments any more than the rest of you and will be the first to supprt the fight against it. Many thanks in anticipation of your support. Mike

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (23rd Mar 2010 - 10:31:57) Mike Have you read the thread?

Re: Bohunt Development - marian c (23rd Mar 2010 - 19:06:44) At the risk at inviting a huge backlash that this site is well known for. I live opposite the proposed sporting venue and can't think of anything worse than to look out at a load of floodlights and listen to the roar of the crowd supporting their local team. Let alone the extra traffic that will tear along at way above the 30 m.p.h speed limit. Sorry if this offends but I am sure if others were pressed to put their lovely rural view to one side for the needs of a few sporting folk they might balk a bit.

Re: Bohunt Development - MARY ARBER (23rd Mar 2010 - 20:15:43) Michael, surely a trip to Bordon is not too far to take youngsters? We can't expect to have everything on our doorstep - or maybe we do. Mary

Re: Bohunt Development - Darren Ellis (23rd Mar 2010 - 20:17:04) Having lived in Liphook for 40+ years I just wanted to put my opinion, for what it might be worth, on the "Bohunt Development". Yes there has been a fare amount of development in Liphook over the last few decades (I happen to live in one of those roads mentioned above although my house was actually built in the 1940's) and we do need to move forward the facilities on offer in the village, or is it small town?, for those of us that are fortunate enough to live here. If we do need additional sporting facilities and a Health Centre then in my opinion the area around Bohunt Manor isn't a bad place for them. It is centrally located with reasonable road access (the proposed roundabout will help slow the "speeding traffic" constantly bemoaned about) and it's a vacant plot which is able to be developed without too much impact on too many surrounding people (I appreciate someone will always be affected with development in this crowded area of the UK). The problem seems to be with the possibility of future development of Bohunt Manor. When the place was put up for sale and sold by WWF I couldn't believe the price it went for considering it's future development potential (around the £1.5million mark??? I may be wrong and would welcome clarification). It is the only "Green Lung" into the heart of our village left not developed and, possibly defeatist on my part, I expected it to be grabbed by a development company ASAP, which it appears to have been. If "Liphook" feels it doesn't want any House's, or Football Pitches, or Health Centres, or Relief Roads etc. etc. then as a united front it needs to fight it's corner. Go to the PC meetings, EHDC meetings, oppose planning applications and anything else you see fit to try and stop it. If you don't then "Progress" will continue it's momentum. Posts on here are just that....... posts!! no effect at all!! Personally I think it will happen........ sorry if that offends but you have been told :-(

Re: Bohunt Development - Michael (23rd Mar 2010 - 20:26:39) Marian C Not exactly sure where you live but looking at the plans the sports(football) area is next to the Bohunt playing field. Can you see this from your house? It does seem to be along way back from the road and houses to me.(was that gentle enough)

Re: Bohunt Development - Nick H (23rd Mar 2010 - 20:37:00) Michael, at the risk of repeating what's already been said ... Yes, there's been loads of development. Your list is impressive but with very few exceptions these roads don't impinge on the centre of the village itself. There will be lots more so let's get it in the right place. There are sites which don't threaten the last green spaces on the approach to The Square. These have been allocated for development whereas the land at Bohunt Manor is designated National Park land. Presumably these decisions were taken for good reasons, by people who had some understanding of the value of the landscape. We only have to get this wrong once. The carrot of new facilities may be tempting, but if we really want them then there are other ways. Let's not let our judgement be skewed by bribes from developers with other agendas.

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (24th Mar 2010 - 12:39:32) Darren I wouldn't be 'offended' if the development went ahead (wouldn't take it as a personal affront!) but I would be very disappointed and sad for our lovely village. I know its easy for some of us who have lived here a long time (and some who haven't) to be defeatist and just give up but I think its worth making the effort, to try to make sure the inevitable progress does not spoil what we already have. If I had realised what was going on I would certainly have objected to this application through the normal channels but I was caught napping on this one as I didn't buy the Liphook Herald and don't look at every planning application. I was daft enough to assume that any kind of development of what you describe as the 'Green Lung' of Liphook, in a National Park, would need wider consultation. Just one key point of note: Bohunt Manor is NOT centrally located - yet. Although I do get the impression that is what is wanted by some parties -not just the developers.

Re: Bohunt Development - mark w (24th Mar 2010 - 19:21:12) Nick Lets start at the begining. The landowner held an exhibition at the Millenium Hall in Nov 2007 setting out possible uses for the land at Bohunt Manor, and the Editor has kindly posted up a link which shows plans which illustrate these possibilities. I recall that we were all invited to that meeting 'to have our say about the future of the land', and from recollection, this is more or less how the message was conveyed by The Herald at the time. I also recall that an officer from EHDC addressed this public meeting, and, (this being of significant relevance) when I asked the planning consultant acting for the land owner, what the intentions were for the land, I was told that they (the landowner) was not being 'prescriptive' as to the its possible uses, and that the exhibition was being held to listen to the views of the people of Liphook, and hear what they felt was needed in the village. The planning consultant had produced some suggested land use proposals which were on display at the exhibition (the plans referred to by the Editor, as above) and these included the sports pitches which are now under discussion. Reading the planning documents available on the EHDC website, it is noted that following the exhibition, the GPs and the PC approached the landowner to request that land was made available for sports pitches, allotments and a new larger surgery to serve Liphook. The Editor or others will no doubt be able to help here, but I seem to recall that The Herald carried a front page article confirming that the PC had voted to approach the land owner and request that land be made available for these purposes. So far so good, nothing wrong with any of this, in fact the land owner is to be commended for engaging with the PC in this civic minded way, and it is a shame that the owners of THE SILENT GARDEN or LOWSLEY FARM have not stepped forward in this manner. The cynics out there will no doubt shouting out 'well nobody does any thing for nothing', and to a certain extent this is true for all of us. However, if we all step back for a minute, and consider all this in the round, why the hostility? The applications have in fact been made at the behest of the community and there is obviously a recognised need for them. A number of contributors to this column have expressed concern about floodlighting for the sports facilities. I have spoken to an officer at EHDC, and there is no floodlighting proposed with these proposals. The landowner wishes to make a profit from his land, (please save any argument about the rights and wrongs of the 'profit motive for somewhere else) and has responsibly engaged with the community to ascertain its needs, and yes this may include housing at some point in the future, but even then, such a proposal will be subject to the strictest scrutiny. Why is it that the SILENT GARDEN got away with a pretty mediocre scheme without offering any facilities to the community? Why also is EDHC proposing that LOWSLEY FARM be allocated to meet Liphook's future housing needs (150 plus houses I understand!), when the land owners there have not offered anything to the community? This remote site will mean that the people living there are far more likely to use their cars to get to various facilities, and the congestion around the schools and The Avenue will be horrendous. Surely if there is to be future growth in Liphook, the Bohunt proposal is the more balanced when considered against the other sites? I for one, would rather see future development at the centrally positioned Bohunt Manor, with all the proposed facilities, and which is very accessable to the people of Liphook, than at Lowsley farm, which is remote and offers nothing to us. Another point, which needs to be looked at improved access to green spaces for the public which these proposals will bring about. Currently all this land is in private ownership and therefore the public only get glimpsed views of it from the adjoining roads and footpaths. Apart from the public amenity provided by the sports pitches and allotments, few of you may realise that the access roads and tracks will also provide us with a complete linkage to both the Firs footpath, and also the Golf Course footpath, and further public along the existing drive heading towards Bohunt Manor. The exhibition plans (why not look at this before being too critical?) also shows a proposed public park right up and around the Bohunt lake. This can surely be likened to a second Radford Park for Liphook. So Nick, I understand that you are passionate about Liphook and no doubt the population of Liphook and their needs, but where else do you see these facilities going, and NO! we do not want to drive our children to Bordon or elsewhere to play football, cricket or to see the doctor, nor do we wish to travel miles to work our allotments! (there are nearly 50 families now waiting for allotment space) All this, apart from taking up too much of our time and being unbelievably stressful, is bad for the environment as it would involve lots of car travel. In looking for alternative sites, you would need to check that it is not swamp land, does not need a lot of trees felling to be of any use, can be safely accessed from the public highway and doesnt create some sort of hazzard, is not SSSI, SINC or SAC land (editor, you may wish to help here) and importantly, is reasonably central to Liphook, to encourage, if at all possible, people to walk to such facilities - save the planet! If you should be lucky enough to find sufficient land meeting all the necessary criteria, you will need to pray the the land owner is open minded and willing to be co-operative. All this before you get down to the price he wants for his land! Come on, change if responsible and properly managed, can be a good thing.

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (25th Mar 2010 - 11:59:14) Mark A very measured response although it does seem to me that your head is so far in the sand that only your toes are showing. You refer to Bohunt Manor as ‘centrally positioned’. Whereas Lowsley Farm is ‘remote’. By anybody’s assessment Bohunt (as yet ) is on the fringes of the village and inside the National Park. You believe that if Lowesley is built on everyone will drive their kids to school but if it’s Bohunt everyone will walk Do you really believe that? You say that EHDC have told you there are no proposals for floodlights in the current application. This is true, but in response to EHDC’s own environmental concerns about future floodlighting the proposers say ”Should subsequent application by the PC include floodlighting there are solutions that limit light spillage”. So that’s OK then. Bohunt Manor is currently designated a ‘dark landscape’ – and these areas are decreasing dramatically due to light pollution. You say that the landowners have “engaged the PC with in this civic minded way”. Oh come off it. You don’t have to be a cynic to giggle at this one. They know they had to do this to get PC support for such a potentially sensitive site. We can’t blame them. As I said in a previous post, any self-respecting developer wants to maximise the potential of the site but we should think long and hard about just what we are, and will, give up for a couple of sports pitches. You recommend the development for the “improved access to green spaces” that these proposals will bring about. Access to green spaces it not a problem in this area (and long may that remain so). As for the ‘improvement’, we will be able to walk across the ‘ecology park’ (earmarked for drainage) to get a glimpse of Bohunt Manor lake on the edge of the proposed housing estate. Great. It’s true that the proposed development areas are not SSSI, SINC or SAC although Bohunt Meadow is SINC – but the whole area is in a National Park – and an extension to the National Park which people fought long and hard for - and these people also were acting at the behest of the ‘community’. Those of us opposed to the proposals as they stand seem churlish to object to something that is apparently so desired by the ‘community’ – but according to the Parish Survey the ‘community’ wants more variety of amenities, not more of the same. That doesn’t seem to count.

Re: Bohunt Development - Julia Mansi (25th Mar 2010 - 17:32:07) Just to let you know, the Bohunt Manor applications for the medical centre and the sports pitches/allotments are to be considered at the meeting of the South Planning Committee on 1 April 2010. The agenda will be available on line tomorrow (26 March).

Re: Bohunt Development - Nick H (25th Mar 2010 - 19:30:55) 'Nuff said Liz, thank you!

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (26th Mar 2010 - 08:35:34) Many thanks to Julia Mansi for keeping us informed.

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (26th Mar 2010 - 10:22:07) Many thanks to Julia Mansi for providing this information. I have looked at the documents and see that permission is recommended for the sports fields. As I said at the start of the thread I have no problem with this in principle. But once these are establised I wonder how difficult it will be for the planners to refuse permission for floodlighting, a clubhouse for the cricket pitch and changing facitlites for the football pitch plus storage for ground maintenance machinery etc etc .The next stage will almost certainly be the medical centre then the housing estate. Then there will be deemed to be insufficient facilties for the number of houses........... We really need a proper plan for the village and proper public debate, although its probably been too late for that for some time.

Re: Bohunt Development - sw (26th Mar 2010 - 10:40:39) Well said Liz!

Re: Bohunt Development - Editor (26th Mar 2010 - 11:16:45) Having finally found the agenda for the meeting on the EHDC web site EHDC South Planning It doesn't actually say much yet, I'm afraid. Maybe it will be updated later today. Alan See also EHDC Forthcoming meetings Sec 1 item 1 Bohunt Manor, Liphook.pdf (572.2Kb) Sec 1 item 2 Bohunt Manor, Liphook.pdf (576.8Kb)

Re: Bohunt Development - Dawn Hoskins (30th Mar 2010 - 13:56:29) Dear Liz, Karen, Robert, Neil, Helen, Mike, Martin, Russ, Mark, Nick, Mary, Marian, Darren…(sorry if I have missed any one out)… and any one else who has been expressing concern about this matter. Last night was the AGM and all sitting in a row and waiting for your questions were district councillors, county councillors and parish councillors – plus a lady from the South Downs National Park. All of your questions could have been answered by people who know the facts. If only you had come…….. Additionally, there have only ever been FOUR (4) letters into the council about this matter. If you feel strongly about things - which you obviously do - you have to engage with the people who are able to bring about change. Discussions on this site are all well and good - but if you don't back them up with letters / meetings then it is just a venting of anger which will change nothing.

Re: Bohunt Development - Helen M (30th Mar 2010 - 16:26:31) hi dawn, many apologies for not coming yesterday - i was really hoping to come but 3 young children and a husband late home from work meant i was stuck. really wanted to get there but meetings late in the evenings are tricky. I know of 2 others that wanted to go to but couldnt.

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (30th Mar 2010 - 16:27:32) Dawn You missed one of the main points of my initial concern - I was not aware of the development in time to officially object. I wasn't the only one apparently as not everyone buys the Haslemere Herald every week or goes into the Millennium Hall. The facts are now set out on the EHDC website and the PC's postition is clear - totally in favour with no apparent concern about the longer term implications. I will be writing about the need for more openness and a clear plan for Liphook, but probably not to the PC.

Re: Bohunt Development - marian c (30th Mar 2010 - 16:40:01) Dawn I did have other commitments last night which had to take precedent but you might like to know that I did attend the presentation that took place at the Millenium Hall and did share my views with those present. Didn't see you there that night.

Re: Bohunt Development - Neil (30th Mar 2010 - 17:17:07) Dawn unsure why I should go I am all for the proposed development for a better recreation ground and facilities.

Re: Bohunt Development - Dawn Hoskins (30th Mar 2010 - 17:57:26) I didn't go to the original session about the development as I have no strong views about it, I went to the AGM as I think it is an important village event - and I wanted to find out about the Rural Transport Initiative that was announced when the SWT bus was canceled. There were about 20 or so people there apart from me and it was a good evening - with refreshments served afterward. There were a number of very interesting speakers as well.

Re: Bohunt Development - Darren Ellis (30th Mar 2010 - 19:11:17) Dawn, Thank you for including me in you post but you were only repeating my comments. I for one have no problem with the proposed development but did urge and encourage those who did to do more than just post on this site. My impression is that the development will go ahead and bring needed facilities to the village/town, and I hope not cause too much misery for those who live nearby. Good luck to all who oppose it but I think you have an uphill fight. Get writting and lobbying those with influence!

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (31st Mar 2010 - 10:13:59) Darren I think you are right and the development will go ahead. It is a pity for those who live nearby but also, I believe, for the rest of us. I do not think we should destory the green fringes of our village and National Park gateway because of a panic to get a new football pitch as soon as possible. I think the 'no alternative' case is unproven. Hence the need for a proper strategic plan for the village so that everyone's interests are taken into account as far as possible. If there really is a need then to develop in the National Park then at least there will be a substantive, documented requirement. Once again I refer to the (seemingly ignored) Parish Survey where the requirement under 'Sports and Leisure' was for a greater variety of facilities not more of the same.

Re: Bohunt Development - Barbara (31st Mar 2010 - 14:37:21) I realise all residents will be affected by any development. There is a historic legal obligation on Parish Councils to actively look for land, for allotments and considering the population of Liphook now, which is around 8 thousand people, is the recreation ground enough in terms of playing fields? I did raise my concerns at the Parish planning meeting re the proposed mini roundabout and extra traffic in and out of Bohunt Manor land, but with the expansion of the local population it is unrealistic for the Doctors to expand the two surgeries where they are at present. Apart from the Weavers Down land which is up for sale, I cannot think of anywhere else with enough room.

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (31st Mar 2010 - 17:13:23) It is not Weavers Down land which is up for sale. (Or is it worse than I thought!!).

Re: Bohunt Development - Eneida (31st Mar 2010 - 19:27:39) Liz, Here's the land that's for sale in Weavers Down...though whether building would be allowed with Commons Rights I've no idea!! www.rightmove.co.uk/...

Re: Bohunt Development - Russ Ellis (31st Mar 2010 - 22:12:43) Yes we did attend the meeting on Monday sharp at 6-30pm and yes 2 others did arrive. Very interesting meeting with lots of information. Asked a couple of questions on certain matters and I thought the council were doing an excellent job. Half time and on to the AGM meeting. About 10 more people arrived and 3 speakers. The speakers were very good as Dawn has mentioned. Down to all the reports which were all very good. Discussion on dog poo which I suggested that dogs to be kept on leads on village green, recreation ground and Radford park. Bohunt Manor development could not be discussed as such but Mr Burns congratulated the councillors for all their hard work which I and my wife willingly seconded as there is no other land available for such a purpose and it is within a few hundred yards of the centre of Liphook and very accessible and close to Bohunt school. Couldn’t be better. There has not been any recreation facilities apart from Bohunt School in my life time 70yrs so it is much overdue as we are a by population a town. I do hope the National Park are over ruled as regards the medical centre as it is an ideal location and with the roundabout it will slow the traffic coming into the village along the Portsmouth Road. As for it being farm land every development in Liphook has been built on farm land including Bohunt School which was built on grade A farm land. Unfortunately this is the price we have to pay for living in such a great place. The parish council have been working tirelessly for years to secure more facility for our village and I do hope they succeed with this planning application. As for losing the view, until a couple of years ago there was no view just a very old hedge and when it was removed there was uproar about it. What I would really like to see is a development like the Taro Centre at Petersfield with swimming pool and sport fields etc. They also have an outdoor pool and Millchase School also have a pool complex so we have a golden opportunity to catch up and also solve the problem of where to build a youth club. We do need all these facilities for our ever expanding community. Note for editor:-- It would be very nice if full names were on all post on the talk back page to stop any confusion as to who is who. Christian names are not enough. Russ Ellis

Re: Bohunt Development - Steve Read (1st Apr 2010 - 08:49:14) Russ, spot on and well said.

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (1st Apr 2010 - 09:37:26) Good grief Enieda, it IS worse than I thought!! Russ could have his vision of Liphook with a Taro Centre or Mill Chase -complex! Russ (The views were opened up by the partial removal of the old hedge but were always there for those who were interested.) It is a good thing that some people realise that beautiful countryside is a wonderful amenity that, once destroyed is pretty much gone forever. On this basis a National Park has been created after much debate. The land surrounding Bohunt Manor was considered sufficiently important to be included. It looks as though Liphook will be celebrating today's designation of the South Downs National Park with the first stages of a development on its fringes. It makes me ashamed to live here.

Re: Bohunt Development - Mike (1st Apr 2010 - 11:32:50) Russ, Very well said, a clear unambiguous view of things. The Parish Council have done a great job and deserve credit for all their hard work. Regards Mike

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (1st Apr 2010 - 12:47:59) Although I generally very much appreciate the hard work on our behalf by the PC, this doesn't appear to have been a particularly difficult task. More the path of least resistance. Developers are pushing for their National Park land to be developed and the football lobby just want a new pitch (and nothing wrong with that). Simples. Far more difficult to get a coherent local plan in place first.

Re: Bohunt Development - Darren Ellis (1st Apr 2010 - 16:23:01) Well said Dad......... yes Russ is my father, perhaps were I get my opinion from, but I can assure you I don't always agree with him......lol...... as he'll undoubtly tell you! Not sure how long all of the posters have lived in Liphook for but it does seem that those who have lived here for 30/40+ years appear to support the Bohunt Manor development, in principle that is, and those who haven't appear to be against it. I might be wrong, as don't know all the posters on here, but it seems as strange divide...... I wonder why?

Re: Bohunt Development - Steve Read (1st Apr 2010 - 23:46:56) As Darren and Russ have both stated those of us who have lived here for many years have seen huge changes and developments around Liphook, some for the better and some for the worse that is without issue. Accepting progress and change is not a ‘cop out’ as previously commented on, some are bemoaning losing countryside and views, just how much countryside has already been lost by all of the roads mentioned in an earlier post. My point being sometimes the most vociferous of opinions come from the same areas which have only recently been developed, by that I mean over the last 20 + years. Do those people living in these areas have any concerns or reservations over someone else’s view that was removed by the developing of the houses where they themselves now reside? I have stated previously on here in the past and reinforced by Russ in a recent post Liphook is no longer a quaint little Hampshire Village, it is a town get used to it and it is growing all the time. At the moment we have the housing capability of a town with the infrastructure of that quaint little village, it is a complete shambles you only have to attempt to get through from one side of Liphook to the other to witness that, try to get an appointment at the Doctors or park your car or catch the occasional bus etc. I will agree with Liz in respect of we need a plan to specify exactly what the long term plans are and the direction we are heading. It is not rocket science to realise that continuing to build more houses is not the answer, should we not consolidate what we have now but compliment these by the facilities common with a town of our size now or projected size in years to come. Again as I have previously posted on here, we missed the golden opportunity to really provide for Liphook with the closing of the OSU Depot, I welcomed Sainsbury’s here, we needed it but I also appreciate some people opposing them and the consequent way they have conducted business and further development. However where it all went wrong was selling the whole site to Sainsbury’s (well most of it), they promptly sold off the rest for development of houses making a vast profit in the process and basically building their store for nought. Many people could not see past the sweetner of providing the Millenium Hall. The whole site should have been independently developed for more retail outlets, sports facilities (swimming pool etc) cinema complex, car parking or some decent eating venues. By doing this you would have joined the two halfs of Liphook together and really made something for everybody. Radical to some I will agree but the opportunity was there but we gave it away for yet again more houses. The old hospital site is another example of where this could possibly have been better utilised, but no, probably due to certain influential individuals residing nearby this was not wanted on their doorstep, so yet again we build another small village tucked nicely away to add even more pressure on an already antiquated infrastructure. (The same theory applied here when Lloyds wanted to relocate to that site). I honestly do not know where Liphook is heading but feel we need to provide for everybody who lives here NOW and if that means encroaching onto a recently formed National Park so be it. (now sits back and waits for the rants). Steve Read (Full name as usual)

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (2nd Apr 2010 - 13:38:29) You're assumptions are wrong Darren. Many of us who have lived here for 30/40+ years are not in favour of the development of Bohunt Manor. Some of us see it as something of a tragedy. It was, as i'm sure you know, originally left to the World Wildlife Fund.

Re: Bohunt Development - Mark (3rd Apr 2010 - 00:12:04) I attended the meeting at the hall when all the plans where submitted and being a Liphook FC Manager and commitee member I found the proposal a fantastic set up not just for the football and cricket but for the alotments that where sugested but also the very large new surgery which is to combine to 2 current ones in Liphook. This whole new set up will benifit everyone from liphook. What was also interesting out of all the 100's of people that attended and viewed the plans and left there ballot papers the result come back 98% for the proposed plans and 2% against. I will leave all to you all to work out where the 2% against come from.

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (4th Apr 2010 - 19:01:27) Steve I agree with most of what you say, particularly about the Sainsbury's development. Some very clever ideas were put forward at the consultations before the supermarket was built, but as there were no specific plans in place, it was easy for Sainsbury's to ignore the proposals. I wasn't against a supermarket in the village but, as Steve suggests the whole thing was a missed opportunity. However I do not agree with the 'so be it' attitude to the National Park development. So many of us were seen as backward looking local yokels for suggesting that the Sainsbury's development should not go ahead in the form we now have. I see a similar situation with the regard to the developemnt of the Bohunt land - its being rushed into while we STILL have no coherent plan for the village - with a range of interests taken into account not just the footballers and cricketers, who already have facilities, albeit not perfect they tell me. Mark From what I hear there were not hundreds at the meeting, nowhere near. I suppose those particularly keen on the football field and cricket pitches would have attended, having no doubt heard about it from their friends. Not sure what you mean't about the 2%, but if seems I could have gone from local yokel to 'incomer' in a few years!

Re: Bohunt Development - Alan Baker (4th Apr 2010 - 19:31:12) So far nothing has been said about the financial cost to the Parish. It can be assumed that the owners will not be paying for all the ground works out of the kindness of their hearts. So, either the council will be paying for the work and paying a rent for the land, in which case can we be told what the figures are and how this will be paid for, or a 'deal' regarding future planning permission must already be in place. Can the council please enlighten me on this. Alan

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (5th Apr 2010 - 16:28:53) It would be very interesting to know the proposed costs involved. - The groundworks for the football field must be quite steep with the proposed bund etc. Perhaps someone from the PC can tell us where the expected expenditure is set out, it must be public information.

Re: Bohunt Development - Dawn (17th Jun 2010 - 19:58:25) Yes, I too would be interested in the proposed costs.

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (29th Jun 2010 - 10:54:42) It would seem, Dawn, that no-one wants to tell us where to find his information.

Re: Bohunt Development - Michael (29th Jun 2010 - 14:34:53) Liz, Dawn. Thanks for your concern, i am led to believe the funding will come from various grant sources. Football Foundation, Grass Roots Football, Sport England, Lottery. I know for a fact any donations you may wish to make to these causes would be gratefully received, and wisely used on sporting facilaties for all the people of the village to use for many years to come. I also know the groups concerned are all after extra intelligent knowhow to source other funds. Hope this helps

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (29th Jun 2010 - 16:21:25) Michael Here's hoping these funds have been confirmed, not just assumed. Is there any way we can find the true situation? Also how are the allotments and the medical centre to be funded? The medical centre is one thing, but I wouldn't want my council tax to go towards any shortfall in funding for a football field and cricket pitch.

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (23rd Jul 2010 - 09:32:12) It seems my question has been answered, at least if the Liphook Herald is correct. Required total amount is £600,000 (ouch!) and this appears just to be for the recreational facilities. (No wonder I didn't get an answer). EHDC has been criticised for agreeing to allocate £21,000 to Bohunt School for 'hard surface sports courts, additional community use and new arts and drama facilities' - which seems good value for money to me bearing in mind the (largely ignored?) Parish Survey which asked for a broader range of facillties. (I have no connection with Bohunt School, before anyone asks). Also EHDC has agreed £30,000 for the Parish to update existing play areas at the Recreation Ground. It seems the Parish Council are objecting to funds being allocated for updating and improvement of existing facilities because this would eat into the funds for the new development. If there are insufficient funds to keep existing facilities up to date and for (relatively) small amounts to broaden facilities available, there is certainly no funding for major new projects - particularly at the moment, however laudable some may believe them to be. If the Herald has got it wrong, perhaps someone would now be prepared to tell us what the true situation is?

Re: Bohunt Development - Nick Hancock (5th Aug 2010 - 14:46:24) Did anyone see the piece in the Herald the other week about the proposal for a chapel on the Bohunt Manor site? When I first heard about this I had assumed that it was at Bohunt School, but looking more closely it seems that it is to be near the health centre. Have I misunderstood? If I'm right then it looks like the owners of the Manor are wasting no time getting on with the development of the Portsmouth Road frontage. When they come in with a really big application the precedent will have been set - soon there will be nothing left of the open fields.

Re: Bohunt Development - liz (5th Aug 2010 - 15:36:40) It seems to me, Nick, that no-one gives a stuff. Which is a great pity.

Re: Bohunt Development - Bob Joyce (5th Aug 2010 - 16:01:14) An interesting article in the Law Lines column in last week's Herald: "...the Supreme Court held that because locals had been using a council golf course for many years to walk their dogs and play with their children - even though they had always left when asked to do so by golfers - the land could be registered as a village green. The decision, granted on appeal, blocked a development for which planning permission had already been granted". If only we had known, this could have applied to the King George's Hospital site. Still, it's something to bear in mind for the future.

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