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Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Chris S (29th Oct 2010 - 19:10:33) Just spotted this planning application. Plan is for a Gospel Hall on a 1.25ha site just past Station Road on the Bohunt Manor Estate. planningdevelopment.easthants.gov.uk/... Am I alone in thinking this site is being over developed?

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (1st Nov 2010 - 09:35:03) So much for the National Park. I thought the sports pitches were bad enough - not in themsleves, but how long before changing rooms, floodlights and other facilities will be needed? Just the thin end of the wedge. Looks like there is a plan to develop the whole estate, National Park or not. There is a plan somewhere with housing estates and a connecting road through to the Longmoor Road.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Mike (1st Nov 2010 - 15:59:53) The documents don't appear to be viewable online any more. Does someone not like prying eyes? A quick search on Google for "South Downs Gospel Hall Trust" reveals no entries other than the planning application itself. The address, whilst indeed a former chapel, is now occupied by what appears to be an agricultural land business. Would planning permission for this and/or a medical centre in itself create a planning precedent that could make it more difficult to refuse something much more undesirable later on? I sometimes wonder if there has been any intention for any of these things to actually get built. Yes, you are right all the documents for that application have now been removed - very sinister. Interestingly, the only business listed on Google as being at Stonechapel, Fernhurst is an RB Knappett, who appear to be (or were) roofers, and also a Richard Knappett listed as a 'rating surveyor'. "South Downs Gospel Hall Trust" is only c/o that address. UPDATE - documents are now back online.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Alan (1st Nov 2010 - 17:14:40) The documents talk about regular meetings of 650 people to held at the proposed hall. The site plan only allows for 84 parking spaces (that I can count), so unless they have lots of "people carriers" I can't see how that many people could access the site without producing a severe parking issue in the area. At 4 people per car (more than the average) they would need to provide at least twice as many spaces ! They talk about access by train and foot, but I doubt if they have considered the times of trains and the lack of any buses. Alan

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Bob (2nd Nov 2010 - 00:09:17) For all of you who are wondering about the identity of the people behind the South Downs Gospel Hall Trust it would appear they are a group known as the Exclusive Brethren. The following experience from Stow should be of interest and has striking similarities to the proposed application. peebs.net/exclusive-brethren-news For those who do not wish to see a fenced and gated compound built within our new national park and the serious congestion problems it will bring to the village and the old Portsmouth road I would encourage you to write to East Hants and the parish council as a matter of some urgency. The deadline is the 22 November 2010. Well found Bob. Everybody should lodge an objection with Julia Mansi (Case Officer) 01730 234236 email: julia.mansi@easthants.gov.uk quoting reference SDNP/39366/017 - or complete this online form planningdevelopment.easthants.gov.uk/

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (2nd Nov 2010 - 08:29:09) I note that on the planning application map, the part of the Bohunt Estate that has planning permission for the Medical Centre is now on the map as 'Newtown'. Not daft these guys are they?

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Alan (2nd Nov 2010 - 08:51:12) From the documentation.. "Site Security measures are unfortunately needed due to the hours when the building is unoccupied. Discreet green coated steel mesh security fencing 2m high will therefore by be provided around the entire site integrated with the boundary landscaping and the grounds made secure when the building is not occupied to maintain the area free from unauthorised use." Street View of similar site north of Havant. Alan

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Michael (2nd Nov 2010 - 09:00:13) Liz, Not sure how long you have actually lived in the village, but in my 49 short years here that area of the village has always been known as "Newtown".

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (2nd Nov 2010 - 09:36:01) How can you be sure this is correct Bob?

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Bob (2nd Nov 2010 - 11:09:52) Further to my earlier posting the following link to the Cotwold's District Council decision (refusal) regarding a similar application will be of interest. www.cotswold.gov.uk/... Whilst not a planning expert the Cotswold's District Council decision notice gives some useful pointers to the objections to raise and I believe the following to be valid objections. In summary: - Application site is within the national park and not suitable for the purposes of the park as defined. - The development is a major project. - Lack of any local consultation for this major project. - Limited community use (there are only 29 Brethern in Liphook according their stated figures) the remainder of the 300 strong weekly or even twice weekly congregation coming from Surrey and Sussex. -Lack of local need despite what is state in their Community Involvement Statement. The only need is their own to build a hall to accommodate up to 650 Brethren from across the UK and overseas. - Increased traffic and potential severe congestion in Station Road, the Portsmouth Road and disruption of access to the proposed new Medical Centre and hampering emergency service access along the Portsmouth Road A more contentious point and more for background, if indeed this is the Exclusive Brethern, then they require separation of their member from those outside of their church indeed Brethren cannot marry, eat with or stay in the same house as a non-members. Anecdotally appointments have to be made for members of the public to attend services and have to sit separated from the congregation so this will serve a very limited local amenity. If you are interest in finding out more about the Exclusive Brethern then there is a BBC Everyman documentary in 7 parts on You Tube along with other news items mainly from Australian where the current head resides. Again I urge you and others to write with your objections at the first available opportunity - 5 minutes and the cost of a stamp may save a lot of inconvenience in the future.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Karen F (2nd Nov 2010 - 11:35:57) Nice. Something lovely to look at from out of my bedroom window. We will be objecting...Strongly.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (2nd Nov 2010 - 12:28:16) I see in the planning application that the entire local Congregation (for Liphook, Camelsdale, Haslemere, Grayshott and Fernhurst) is a grand total of 129. So how the proposed development supports, benefits or involves the local community beats me. It seems that some form of National Centre is planned (as I think someone has suggested) - and by people who do not wish to associate with others in the community who do not share their beliefs.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Neil (2nd Nov 2010 - 13:50:02) Anyone traveling on the train will see the same style of building out side of Farncombe. Also to add we have a few familys within our neighbourhood and they are amoung the nicest people always friendly and happy to help out. Street View of Farncombe site

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (2nd Nov 2010 - 14:21:40) I think they may be Plymouth Brethren which are something very different. The building is still a bit grim though!

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Neil (2nd Nov 2010 - 14:45:56) Liz they are one of the same wikipedia/Exclusive_Brethren

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (2nd Nov 2010 - 14:48:42) Michael Think my reply to you has gone astray. Not quite in Liphook for 49 years but not too far off. The land on the Bohunt Manor side of the 'old A3' was part of the Bohunt Manor Estate not Newtown. Now this part of the estate is also being included in 'Newtown' as this no doubt suits the application. (See their site location plan). This was my point. Now that there is planning for the medical centre, football and cricket pitches, the applicants are claiming their application is part of urban ribbon development - when it is actually overdevelopement of a rural site.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Bob (2nd Nov 2010 - 17:00:44) The orgins are both in the Plymouth Brethern however following a schism two factions emerged the Open Brethren and the Exclusive Brethren. The Exclusive Brethren practise separation from those who are not members of their church and regard them as sinners to be shunned. The extract from the BBC is informative on the nature of exclusion: Rules of exclusivity What does exclusive mean? The doctrine of 'separation from iniquity', or separation from sin, makes the Exclusive Brethren unique. It has two parts: •members must avoid anything sinful •members must keep away from any person or group that does not follow Exclusive Brethren teaching - including other Christians Members who do something against the Exclusive code are required to confess their sin and demonstrate their repentance. If they don't, they are withdrawn from: no member of the group will speak, work or eat with them. www.bbc.co.uk/religion/... My contention is that the gospel hall, if indeed the South Downs Gospel Hall Trust, acts on behalf of the Exclusive Brethren, will be of no utility to the village, quite the opposite, and will be almost exclusively for the Brethren's own use. The national park cannot be viewed as a land bank for development by private, if not evasive and secretive organisations, it is an amenity for all.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Chris S (2nd Nov 2010 - 19:08:33) Just to confirm who is behind this planning application the document in the planning application, 'Statement of Community Involvement' page 14 states,'The South Down Gospel Hall Trust is an established local charity belonging to a worldwide, progressive group of Christians who are known as 'Exclusive Brethren'' Interestingly no such charity is listed by the Charity Commission - I trust the planners check the claims being made

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (3rd Nov 2010 - 10:24:35) I'm sure everyone is aware of this but just in case: you can comment on planning applications online on the EHDC website under planning services. Putting in Bohunt Manor as the address will give access to details of the application. See my earlier note for direct link to comment on this proposal

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Tina (3rd Nov 2010 - 18:28:19) What a shame that all of this green land in Liphook is being built on. What is wrong with using all of the waste land by the station that is available. I am sure the original owner of Bohunt Manor that left the estate to the WWF would be really upset. I doubt he ever thought that they would sell it on for building on, but money seems to talk whatever your beliefs are. Its a very different village to the one I grew up in 30 years ago, and looks like its going to change even more.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Nick Hancock (3rd Nov 2010 - 21:45:01) Dare I say "I told you so"? When I warned that the medical centre and sports facilities were being used as a soft touch to set the development precedent for the site, the general feeling seemed to be that we needed the facilities. As the Brethren might (or might not) say, as ye sow, so shall ye reap ... I shall be objecting though. This is surely the last chance to stop the development of the rest of the Bohunt Manor site. There's an awful lot of information in this thread. Is there anyone who can summarise some key points so that as many of us as possible can put in our objections? (I would do it myself, but we've got a few distractions here at the moment and I'm not sure I would give it the time it needs.)

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (4th Nov 2010 - 08:42:47) Nick If you review previous posts you will find that I and others were quite aware of what was going on..... but it seems that others either have different priorities/agendas or choose to keep their heads in the sand which is very sad for Liphook.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Bob (4th Nov 2010 - 13:12:10) Whilst not a planning expert some useful pointers to the objections to raise, I believe the following to be valid objections. In summary: - Application site is within the national park and not suitable for the purposes of the park as defined. - The development is a major project. - Lack of local consultation for this major project - there was a drop in exhibition at the Millenium Hall in July but there were only 40 responses of the only 70 attendees which evidences the poor advertising of the event despite what they claim. - Limited community use (there are only 29 Brethren in Liphook according their stated figures) the remainder of the 300 strong weekly or even twice weekly congregation coming from Surrey and Sussex. - Lack of local need despite what is state in their Community Involvement Statement. The only need is their own to build a hall to accommodate up to 650 Brethren from across the UK and overseas. - Increased traffic and potential severe congestion in Station Road, the Portsmouth Road and disruption of access to the proposed new Medical Centre and hampering emergency service access along the Portsmouth Road According to the BBC Religions website the doctrine of 'separation from iniquity', or separation from sin, makes the Exclusive Brethren unique. It has two parts: •members must avoid anything sinful •members must keep away from any person or group that does not follow Exclusive Brethren teaching - including other Christians The Exclusive Brethren actively pursue separation from non-Brethren and are not allow to marry, eat with or stay in the same house as non-Brethren. There would therefore be little engagement with the community. I hope this helps.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (4th Nov 2010 - 14:12:13) Consultation? I wonder where this was advertised. The last public 'consultation' for planning was posted in the Millenium Hall and in the Liphook Herald, apparently. Must have been in very small print. Is it possible that the parish/district council plan to use the 'planning gain' from the Exclusive Brethren development for developing the football fields, cricket pitch etc and therefore would be quite happy for it to proceed? I have never had an answer when asking how these things were going to be funded - which I think is a legitimate question bearing in mind it is our money that is being spent. Actually that's not quite true - somebody did mention something on this website about 'donations'.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Nick Hancock (4th Nov 2010 - 23:04:48) Bob, thanks for this and I shall include all these points. Can I encourage others to do the same? And yes, Liz, yours was one of a few concerned voices last time round - my apologies for not mentioning you.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - antoinette (10th Nov 2010 - 17:09:00) When I first viewed the consultation list on the EHDC site it contained 88 addresses with GU30 7** postcodes. Since 09 November they have added 25 addresses with postcodes from further afield, e.g., Hindhead, Fernhurst, Haslemere, Bramshott, Grayshott. Could these possibly be Exclusive Brethren, being consulted? Is it not a given that they have a vested interest in this building project, particularly because it's not "in their backyard"? I think they are addresses of people who have lodged comments via the web site

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Tim Twinam (12th Nov 2010 - 19:40:16) Hi ... I thought you might be interested in some supportive activity on a website that has already been mentioned here - peebs.net. A blog post was published today regarding this matter: peebs.net/exclusive-brethren-news/.. Your experiences in Liphook are not unique: peebs.net/tag/planning-applications and an older feature section: peebs.net/Municipality Good luck in your investigations and actions! There is a site meeting on 19th November 2010 at 10:15am. The public are welcome to attend to listen but not to debate the application

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - George M (13th Nov 2010 - 14:50:11) Alan (1st Nov) makes the point about only 84 parking spaces. The Exclusive Brethren make a point of marking out spaces to conform to the local authorities requirement for a public car park, but it is totally irrelevant. A public car park is laid out so that people can come and go at all times - such as at a supermarket. When the Exclusive Brethren meet, they all arrive at the same time and they leave at the same time, so when there is a large gathering there is no need for traffic lanes to be kept clear. In other words, the whole of the car park will be completely filled - regardless of the parking spaces being marked out. Because of their security arrangements there is no way the local authority can monitor the site. They favour large people carriers simply because they are all expected to have large families. They favour blacked-out windows in their quest to be kept separate from "the world" - that's you and me. On Sundays, their first meeting starts promptly at 6am and the second either 9 or 10 with another one later in the day, so when you are enjoying a barbeque on a hot summers day, the area will be plagued by extra traffic. So don't leave your windows open on a hot summer Saturday night unless you want to be woken before they assemble at 6am.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Nick Hancock (14th Nov 2010 - 08:35:47) I have just submitted the following comments on the application: I am writing to object in the strongest possible terms to the proposed construction of a Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor site in Liphook. My reasons are as follows: 1. The site is within the South Downs National Park. It is of extreme importance for the future of Liphook that the open rural aspect of the land on the roads approaching the village centre be protected, and for this reason development within the national park must be avoided at all costs. If the rural aspect of the approaches to the village centre is lost then Liphook will quickly become just another anonymous and non-descript housing location. It is at particular risk of this because, despite recent housing development, the centre of Liphook is small and representative of a village rather than a larger settlement and lacks the facilities and character that one would associate with a town. It would quickly be swamped if surrounded by development; its rural approaches are an essential element of its personality. The application lays great weight on the fact that permission has already been given for the development of a medical centre and sports facilities on the Bohunt Manor site. The owners of this site have made no secret of their intention to use this permission as a precedent for further development of the site. It is important that this precedent is not established and that no further development takes place which could strengthen their argument. It is also important for the national park as a whole to establish the principle that unsuitable developments of this nature should not be allowed, even on its periphery. Otherwise the gradual encroachment from the periphery towards the centre of the park will undermine its whole purpose. 2. This is a large project which would set the tone for further development of the Bohunt Manor site. 3. Despite what is said in the Community Involvement Statement, local consultation has been very limited. I read earlier this year about the proposal for the development and was looking out for news about it but did not see the notice of the public meeting in July. Only 70 people attended the event. 4. There is very limited local need. According to the applicants’ own figures, there are only 24 Brethren in Liphook (Community Involvement Statement para 2.3). The proposal also states that use of the Brethrens’ other facilities in the area will continue, so this facility is not intended for the benefit of other local Brethren. It must be intended to serve a much wider congregation. This is also suggested by the provision of 84 parking spaces. If, as the applicants say, most cars will have four occupants then the plan is to make provision for close to 350 visitors – taking no account of those in Liphook who may come on foot or those who, as proposed in the documentation, will be brought by coach or minibus. Elsewhere it is suggested that the hall is intended to accommodate up to 650 Brethren. This is way beyond the local requirements suggested in the Community Involvement Statement. The Exclusive Brethren’s doctrine of ‘separation from iniquity’ requires members to keep away from any person or group that does not follow Exclusive Brethren teaching (see the BBC’s Religions website). The Exclusive Brethren actively pursue separation from non-Brethren and are not allow to marry, eat with or stay in the same house as non-Brethren. There would therefore be little engagement with or benefit to the local community. 5. As the Community Involvement Statement itself states, most visitors to the site will enter and leave it at the same time, for regular meetings. For meetings taking place during the day this will lead to increased traffic and potential severe congestion in Station Road and Portsmouth Road, where circulation is already difficult due to parking outside the new Moss Court development on Portsmouth Road and outside the shops on Station Road. There is also the risk of disruption of access to the proposed new Medical Centre and hampering emergency service access along the Portsmouth Road. 6. The documentation does not seem to mention that the Exclusive Brethren hold their first Sunday meeting at 6:00 am. This will increase early morning traffic disturbance to residents along the approach roads to Liphook. You have until 22nd November to object. If there is anything that you can use from what I have written above then please feel free - but I'm not a planning expert and I'm sure submissions from as many different points of view as possible will help. And avoid just cutting and pasting! Let's hope we can put a stop to this development - and to development of the site as a whole.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Richard Scott (14th Nov 2010 - 13:49:28) All of us at peebs.net wish you well in your fight against these nasty, two faced Exclusive Brethren. I was one, born into it, but saw the light 20 years ago and left. I havn't seen my siblings since and my grandson has never met his grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins. In Beaconsfield, Bucks, the brethren attempted to get permission for a meeting hall on a site that contained a lake. The plan was to drain the lake in an effort to avoid felling trees. After draining the lake, completely ruining the habitat of many species and several appeals etc they dumped the plan and went elsewhere. Lets hope the same thing happens in Liphook. Don't be fooled by the cycle shed provisions and the proximity of the rail station. Hand on heart, I have never seen a brethren member cycle to a meeting hall, ever ! As for using public transport ? Do the trains run that early on a Sunday morning ? The term 'Gospel hall' has been commandeered from other less poisonous factions of the Brethren community. It sounds more 'cosy and friendly' than Meeting Hall. Be very assured that you will not be welcome to attend, something that is reflected in their notice boards. Most Gospel Halls say 'All are welcome' with gathering times clearly posted. The Exclusive Brethren notice boards just tell passing folk that this is a 'Place of Public Worship', this is questionable and is done to meet requirements of local authorities regarding exemption from local taxes. Usually two telephone numbers are posted, which you need to call for further information. No service times are shown. Peebs.net has featured your planning application extensively on the website. Good luck in your fight, you'll need it !

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (15th Nov 2010 - 10:04:50) This is on the Agenda for the meeting (which the public can attend) of the Parish Council's planning committee - 8pm today at the Haskell Centre on the Midhurst Road. The Parish Council appear to have been mind-numbingly naive regarding the proposed development on this site so far, or perhaps they view the full development of the entire site as 'a good thing'. In which case perhaps they should tell us.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Cath (15th Nov 2010 - 13:03:54) I can't make it to the meeting tonight. But would someone who does go, please let us know how it went.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Bob (16th Nov 2010 - 13:02:34) In response to how did the meeting go? The meeting was very well attended by locals and Brethren alike with the Haskell Hall being full and people standing in the vestibule. Well the final result of the planning committee was to object to the application. That said it was a close run thing with three votes against and two in favour with the final deciding vote wavering between support and rejection and I trust the good local turn out went in some small way to swaying the vote. I'm not fully familiar with who's who on the council but I believe the notable votes cast were Councillor Newman who voted against and raised some good objections and Councillor James supporting the application. Perhaps someone could confirm this. The next full council meeting is on the 29th November so please do go along to ensure the council hears our views and follows the decision of the planning committee. Of course if you haven't done so please send your comments to the East Hants Council (Julia Mansi Planning Services) either in writing or via the website. There are some good points for objection raised in previous Talkback postings. We have until next Monday the 22nd of November! Julia Mansi (Case Officer) 01730 234236 email: julia.mansi@easthants.gov.uk quoting reference SDNP/39366/017 - or complete this online form planningdevelopment.easthants.gov.uk/

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Les Futcher (16th Nov 2010 - 17:00:34) Correction Cllr A James and Cllr N Newman supported the application while Cllr P Jordon,Cllr J Poole and Cllr B Easton were against. The other planning committee members Cllr P Wilson and Cllr R Evans were not at the meeting.

Re: 15 November Parish Council Meeting/Gospel Hall - antoinette (16th Nov 2010 - 17:43:58) Bob, I believe it was Cllr Jordan who cast the first vote, objecting to the planning application for the Gospel Hall. Cllr Newman did the presentation and voted to support, along with the chairwoman. The turnout was quite a surprise; and the objections were all greatly appreciated by those of us who live in Portsmouth Road, across from the planned site.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Cath (16th Nov 2010 - 22:45:02) Thank you for those responding to my request of how the meeting went last night. I am amazed the local newspapers haven't taken up this major local issue....would it be worth me ringing them and asking why they are not covering this?

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (17th Nov 2010 - 08:39:34) Yes Cath, I think it would certainly be worth giving them a ring. I too have wondered why they are not following it. Whether you are for or against, it is a significant development for Liphook. Perhaps they could do some investigative journalism and find out why a hall with a capacity of 650 is needed for 129 'local' (Liphook / Fernhurst / Grayshott / Hindhead / Haslemere) members when there is already a similar new hall at Farncombe. I should try the Petersfield Post. With the last proposals the Herald just seem interested in reporting verbatim how thrilled our Parish Council was at the potential development of the National Park. Well I suppose it's less work for a journalist that way!

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Richard Scott (17th Nov 2010 - 09:09:04) Good news from Liphook then ! Cath and Liz, it's certainly worth a try to get some press interest in this story. Are you aware that control of these meeting halls all lie in the hands of a wealthy Australian businessman by the name of Bruce Hales ? As we speak he is marshalling brethren businesses into a world-wide conglomerate. In time it is possible that these places could end up as distribution centres or warehousing. Consider the plans and the security features and ask yourself, when was the last time you saw a genuine Gospel Hall with a 6 foot high security fence ? Beware should you have elections in the locality, members of the Brethren have been known to tear down posters if the candidate does not gain their support, which is all rather hypocritical as they won't vote themselves ! Brethren and democracy are not happy bedfellows.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (17th Nov 2010 - 09:13:11) Does anyone know when the next meeting of the Parish Council is? The website, as informative as ever, says 25 October 2010 See our events page - "Monday 29th November 8pm Parish Council Meeting Haskell Centre, Midhurst Road"

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (17th Nov 2010 - 11:42:22) Richard I look forward to the minutes of the PC Planning Meeting to find out the reasons why those in favour WERE in favour. I can think of no reason. I don't care what religion people belong to but building in the National Park is only justified if it is a benefit to the local community. This hall will NOT be open to the public or available for hire (see the planning application). The group will not mix with the local community or support local businesses.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Chris S (17th Nov 2010 - 12:27:11) The Parish Council meeting minutes are here www.bramshottandliphook-pc.gov.uk/Planning/... It does make for interesting reading in terms of some of the justifications. It had never occured to me before that places of worship require security fencing for the security/safety of children onsite. Quite how all of the wildlife on site will benefit from this proposal when 2.5 acres is being concreted over is beyond me.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Alan (17th Nov 2010 - 13:40:57) From the South Downs National Park Authority report dated 8th November 2010 1. Recommendation That East Hampshire District Council be advised that: 1. The National Park Authority accepts the need for this community to meet and interact as part of their faith and recognises the deficiencies of the existing hall in Fernhurst. The Authority also acknowledges that the Fernhurst Assembly has been seeking an alternative site for a number of years without success for a variety of reasons. 2. The Authority also accepts that, in policy terms, Policy HC3 of the East Hampshire District Local Plan Second Review allows for new community facilities, such as that proposed, in the countryside. However, permission will only be granted if the criteria set out in the policy are satisfied. The Authority notes that the site search does not ppear to be up-to-date, and it cannot therefore be confident that it demonstrates the ack of alternative sites that would satisfy the second criterion or at least be more ppropriate for the National Park, such as a site outside the Park. 3. In addition, in order to satisfy Policies GS1 and GS3 of the Local Plan, the proposed evelopment should conserve and enhance the landscape and setting of Liphook. he National Park Authority considers that the Landscape and Visual Impact ssessment submitted with the application underplays the impact of the proposed evelopment, particularly on landscape character, and that the proposed evelopment, with a large utilitarian building and urban car park, lighting and fencing ould significantly detract from that character and the contribution of the site and the rea of land to the north to the setting of Liphook, and represent an extension of the urban area into the countryside. 4. The National Park Authority has a duty to foster the social and economic well being of communities within the Park, which could include a community of faith. However, the Authority notes that the majority of the members of the Fernhurst Assembly live outside the Park. Accordingly, it is not considered that the Authority’s duty lends any significant support to the application, nor the fact that the existing Meeting Hall is within the National Park. The Authority does not consider, either, that a potential improvement in biodiversity from the proposed landscaping outweighs the likely harm to landscape character. 5. The National Park Authority therefore objects to this application, and suggests that the identification of a suitable site be pursued through the LDF process. So the National Park Authority, which has rather more clout than BLPC, is also recommending refusal. The full report can be read here www.southdowns.gov.uk/...

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Richard Scott (17th Nov 2010 - 13:41:15) Liz Like you, I am not really bothered by what religion people choose to be, so long as their beliefs do not impact on, or blight the lives of others around them. May I suggest that anyone wishing to make their own judgement of these people, reads the very recent BBC award winning book 'Not My Idea Of Heaven' by Lindsey Rosa. It would certainly be interesting to hear the grounds for the support of this application. Referring briefly back to my initial posting, I find that the earliest train into Liphook on a Sunday morning arrives at approx 08.15. Two and a quarter hours too late for the first 'Gospel Hall' gathering of the day.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (17th Nov 2010 - 15:17:34) So Councillor Newman thinks it's a nice building and the wildlife will benefit. Heaven knows how with 2.5 acres of concrete. That doesn't seem quite enough for a positive vote! He also said he had heard no-one else object apart from those on the website (doesn't it count?) and then of course those at the meeting. There aren't exactly many alternatives! Most people I have spoken to know something of a 'chapel' on the site but have no idea of the scale of the development. At least sanity prevailed in the end. The National Park Authority's point of view appears very well balanced so hopefully the planners will listen.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Karen F (17th Nov 2010 - 19:43:39) This is the letter sent by The Feeney family of Portsmouth Road. RE Planning Application SDNP/39366/017 GOSPEL HALL AND ASSOCIATED ACCESS, PARKING AND LANDSCAPING I write to object to the above planning application and trust that my objections will be noted accordingly. My reasons for objecting to this application are as follows: 1 The site is within the South Downs National Park and lies outside the settlement boundary of Liphook and as such the proposed development is inappropriate. 2 This is a major application that if successful would have a major and unacceptable impact on the village and the residents. 3 The Gospel Hall, as it is referred to in the application, would be of no benefit to the public. The Brethren are a totally exclusive and not inclusive group. 4 The proposed building is out of proportion with it's environment and the scale, bulk and mass are inappropriate for the site and position. 5 The proposed building is a barn type structure, it is a generic building and has no architectural merit whatsoever; it is reminiscent of many other similar buildings and as such would detract from the setting of the National Park, Liphook and the surrounding areas. The materials are shown to be cheap and are unsuited to a building of this size and stature in such a prominent location. 6 The scheme has insufficient parking for the proposed use; any increase in the parking provision would have further unacceptable impact on the setting of the National Park, Liphook and the surrounding areas. 7 The site of the proposed development would detract from the natural setting of the Bohunt Manor site; the proposal is separated from the access road, leading to future pressures to provide either additional development to this isolated and vacant space or additional car parking for the facility. 8 The proposed site lies at the gateway to the village from the south. The form of building that is proposed would be a particularly unwelcoming statement at the gateway and totally inappropriate for the village setting. 9 The previously approved development of the sports pitches and combined medical practices are of genuine 'community' benefit and should not be considered in any way a precedent when considering this application. If this application is granted, it would present a totally unacceptable precedent for development on the Bohunt Manor site. 10 The application for the stated purposes, for the building as proposed and in the position that it is proposed is conspicuous and is ill-conceived and should be refused. 11 The public consultation was very poor and timed such that widespread public access was not encouraged, I understand that only 70 people attended the event, owing to business pressures I was unable to attend. 12 The figures provided in the planning application documents identify that for all of the villages in the area that contribute Brethren to the group, the fewest number come from Liphook. From the applicant's position Liphook would appear to be the least desirable place for the facility. 13 The identification of a suitable site should be pursued through the Local Development Framework, not by piggy-backing on the perceived opportunity to gain a consent where a precedent for development of green space may appear to have been set (which it has not). 14 The access point from Portsmouth Road, although being served by a yet to be constructed roundabout, is flawed with vehicles approaching from the south travelling uphill and around a bend; this location has seen several accidents recently after the development of the former site of Liphook Coachworks and more recently the Jet Garage site. 15 The proposed fencing of the site is inappropriate for the setting in the National Park, a rural post and rail fence would be more acceptable and show the proposal as sitting within the environment in a more acceptable manner. 16 The existing foul drainage network is not environmentally sound and this development will compound the situation. The foul pumping station located at The Links creates a public nuisance when it discharges to the gravity network I would ask that the Planning Committee refuse this application putting together a very robust case and giving strong reasons for refusal that would not be easily overcome at appeal. Should the Planning Committee override the significant number of objections that have been raised by the local community and the statutory consultees, I would ask that any permission should be conditioned to include at least the following elements: a) Energy consumption to be at least to the standards of best practice, with micro-generation to be approved that is suitable for the National Park Setting. b) A significant proportion of energy use should be generated from renewable sources. c) Notwithstanding the 'institutional' use a financial contribution to the improvement of the local highway network should be secured through the TCPA d) Ecological and wider landscape enhancements must be required to be approved by the LPA. e) Improvements must be made to the existing foul drainage network to resolve the compounded situation. f) The facility must be available to the general public for private hire 7 days a week, for at least, say, 30 hours every week g) Any standard GDO rights should be removed h) The use is to be safeguarded in perpetuity i) The intervening land between the hall and the medical facility should be dedicated to the public as POS and the space should be laid out and a suitable maintenance payment secured under the TCPA j) Further land to the west of the site, beyond the allotments should also be dedicated to the public, laid out and a maintenance payment secured. An amended application may be required, but if the application is to be granted, a significant public benefit should derive.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Nick Hancock (17th Nov 2010 - 22:36:54) I've just browsed through the Parish Council planning minutes. I cannot conceive of how any councillor who has read what has been written on this thread could vote in favour of this proposal. The two who did surely owe their constituents an explanation. How can they think it would benefit the community? What is their view of the future of the Bohunt Manor site? Frankly, what is going on here? Any councillor (or anyone else who knows them) who reads this might wish to ask them to post their response - otherwise their electorate really will not know what to make of their actions.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - nick mcardle (18th Nov 2010 - 12:30:28) Re: Nick Hancock's posting, Antoinette and I second everything he says. We also attended the meeting. His questions are most apposite. Why would Cllrs James and Newman vote to support a planning application when only two local residents were not opposed to it (correct me if I'm wrong about the number) and ALL of the other Liphook residents who attended were (with the exception of the Brethren, who can hardly be expected NOT to be in favour)?

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (18th Nov 2010 - 13:20:14) Yes please councillors, do give us your reasons. With reference to supporting local planning policies of course. - Although as this website was so summarily dismissed at the meeting I doubt these will be forthcoming. Also can someone tell me when the next elections for the Parish Council will be (excluding any forced by resignations) ?

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Philip Jordan (18th Nov 2010 - 17:00:20) I note that some contributors seek explanations from Councillors. Whilst "talkback" is great for posting comments the most effective proceedure for contact with Councillors is by post, e-mail or phone. Alternatively each Parish Council meeting has a session for Public Participation. As an objector to this planning application I recommend those of a like mind in the parish to make their views known direct to our District Councillors who's vote we rely on to reflect the concerns within the Parish they represent and to vote accordingly. Should you not have contact details I am sure the Parish Office will help. Phil Jordan

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Allan (19th Nov 2010 - 01:48:44) Could Councillors Newman and Walters confirm whether they have or have not personal ties/ sympathies/affiliation with the planning applicants.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Richard Scott (19th Nov 2010 - 10:16:53) This Brethren organisation is hugely wealthy and as such, has sought to gain influence with political figures. Six years ago they donated $377,262 to President Bush's election campaign in the USA. and in the same year a Brethren owned company donated $370,000 to John Howard's campaign in Australia. wikipedia.org It is alleged that they have spent around $1,000,000 with lawyers in a (so far) unsuccessful attempt to force the closure of peebs.net. The website that has an annoying habit of telling the truth and providing support for ex-members. Be very prepared for a long haul on this one.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Phelim (19th Nov 2010 - 10:42:52) Did anyone moaning actually bother to attend the open evening and morning at the Millennium Hall that was held. There was a poster up in Sainsbury's and something was in all the local papers. People could see things there as I did. There was also available a proper website which dealt with more than just the planning application. I had concerns about the size and position as well as some of the arguments that they were putting forward which seemed more appropriate for a setting within a housing estate. Some of the comments though are out of order and ill informed. When I attended the open evening with my sister we both found them pleasant and willing to both explain their plans and listen to people's concerns - there was no pressure to join them experienced by myself or anyone else who went and belonged to another denomination. The exclusive brethren are not Plymouth Brethren who are also called the open brethren. Wikipedia is not accepted as suitable research for even GCSEs so should not be relied upon as a source. The building would be single story and self sustaining, having seen the plans I doubt all but those with x-ray vision through trees would see the building. If people bothered to look up who can now be registered as a charity with the Charity Commission there is a minimum size, this DOES NOT stop charities existing and calling themselves charities if, as with the body concerned in this debate, they meet the right legal criteria. As such the point about them not appearing on the Charity Commission website is poorly advised. Yes the site is in the National Park boundary but I think I lot of the comments on this thread, and also to do with the potential new surgery, is a case of NIMBYism.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (19th Nov 2010 - 11:08:10) According to the Liphook Herald, Walters is a former councillor. Anna James (Chairman of the Planning Committee) was the other current one in favour. Walters seems to have been out of the picture for a bit, if he is correctly quoted in the Herald - saying that Liphook has not seen a development like this for 50 years. Did he miss Bohunt, the development of the OSU site, Bramshott Place Village, the Berg estate - to name a few? I sometimes think people don't actually think things through - they just say whatever first comes into their heads or else what they have been told to say by others. It's quite scary. In my view we should be thrilled at having a National Park on our doorstep and not try to destroy it. I'm sorry to bang on about this but I just can't get my head around how this hall is of significant benefit to either the local community or wildlife (as claimed). Regards A. Hornet (see Herald)

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Chris S (19th Nov 2010 - 12:14:53) Well this is now the lead story in this week's Liphook Herald. The report does seem to capture rather better the thoughts of people on this site and what I understand of the Parish Council meeting compared to the Council minutes.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (19th Nov 2010 - 14:14:43) Phelim I think you should read the thread again. I think it is quite clear that we know that it is the Exclusive Brethren and not the Plymouth Brethren that have applied for planning. Most of the information about them on the site is from the BBC Religions website (look it up) rather than wikipedia as you suggest. However nice the Brethren may or may not be, this is not the issue. They have applied to build a hall with a capacity of 650 which will not be available for the wider community to use. There are only 24 Brethren in Liphook and a grand total of 129 in the wider area (their figures). The Brethren also have similar halls at Farncombe and Horndean. This does not imply a strong local need for this development (as required by planning guidelines). Some of us believe that it is important to enjoy the countryside and its wildlife and landscapes and wish to preserve as much as possible for future generations, hence the creation of the National Park. Now you may think all this is hokum but some of us believe it matters. The charity issue is irrelevent but I think you will find some religious organisations are exempt. The newly created National Park is not a backyard. It is a very special area and it is open to everyone. The NIMBY arguement is rubbish.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - chris (19th Nov 2010 - 17:48:21) If anyone is interested in seeing a similar project there is one at Havant Road Hordean. It is in a very similar location in Hordean to the one proposed in Liphook. On the outskirts overlooking farmland. Whilst passing today I took the opportunity to have a look. I had to do this over the fence because the metal gates were padlocked shut! The design looked very similar to the one proposed for Liphook. If the Liphook proposal follows a similar route it is clearly not designed to be a community facility for Liphook. It would be a meeting place for a group of people who follow a particular belief and should be judged as such. I would suggest this a standard facility rather than one that has been designed to suit the needs of Liphook or the South Downs Country Park. I say this because I see that the plans for the elevations of the building are dated 2007! Well before development was being discussed at Bohunt Manor. On a positive note, if the Liphook Hall is to operated in the same way as Hordean, there are likely to be few traffic issues when access is limited by locked gates presumably apart from times when members attend Liphook has been caught in the past by clever professionals acting for planning applicants so perhaps on this occasion the applicant can be asked to give a truthful account of how this Hall would be operated and not try to sell it to us as community project which in my opinion it is clearly not.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Richard Scott (19th Nov 2010 - 19:11:39) Despite the apparent disregard of certain well established and easily checkable facts about the Exclusive Brethren, Phelim sums up their philisophy in a remarkably succinct manner. ' there was no pressure to join them experienced by myself or anyone else who went and belonged to another denomination.' Spot on Phelim. They don't even want you to join. They will not share the hall with anyone else. It will not benefit the community. They are taught to hate the 'world', (that's you, me and indeed everybody apart from themselves). Anybody wish to reconcile that mentality with the term 'Gospel Hall' ?

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Nick Hancock (20th Nov 2010 - 08:21:52) OK Philip, if parish councillors insist on communicating individually by post and telephone then that is what we must ask them to do. I am today sending the following letter to Cllrs James and Newman: Dear Councillors James and Newman APPLICATION FOR GOSPEL HALL AT BOHUNT MANOR I have recently read the minutes of the Liphook Parish Council Planning Committee meeting on 15th November. It is my understanding that you were the two members of the Committee who voted in favour of supporting the above development. If my understanding is incorrect, please accept my apologies and pass this letter to the committee members who did vote in support, with a request for a reply. I and many other members of the Liphook community would be interested to learn what possible justification there can be for supporting this proposal. You may be aware that there is substantial opposition to it in Liphook. I refer you in particular to the “Talkback” discussion at www.liphook.co.uk (thread: “Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate”). By my count, by the time of the meeting on 15th November there had been 30 posts on this discussion, from 13 individuals. I have difficulty seeing, Councillor Newman, how you could dismiss these as “some comments on the website”, as you are quoted as having done at the meeting. The Talkback facility on the website is perhaps the main forum for discussion of Parish matters by the Council’s constituents and Councillors would be ill-advised to ignore it. The absence of any contribution by Councillors to the Talkback discussion of the Gospel Hall proposal had already been noted before the meeting. Since the meeting there have been some 29 further posts, with, I believe, eight new contributors. As a member of your electorate, I should be grateful if you would both explain the reasons why you chose to support this proposal. Please post your answers on the Talkback thread so that the greatest possible number of your constituents can read them. I shall be posting a copy of this letter there. Could you please also at the same time explain what, if any, support for future development at the Bohunt Manor site – whether from the Parish Council or individual Councillors – was discussed with the owners of that site when they proposed the construction of the planned medical centre, playing fields and allotments. We all look forward to hearing from you. Chris, by the way, the gates at Horndean may be locked most of the time, but of course that does mean that when the gates are open and the traffic does come it will come in a flood. And it seems that this will be at 6:00 am on a Sunday.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Chris (21st Nov 2010 - 08:08:21) With only 1 day to go before comments on this application have to be with EHDC I have been trying to understand more about the applicant. I fully understand and accept that the Brethren in Liphook wish to have a place to meet in Liphook and have no issue with such a facilitity as long as it is done on an appropriate scale within the settlement area. The problem is not the lack of appropriate land it is the one size fits all building approach of the Exclusive Brethren who are the South Downs Gospel Hall Trust. There appear to be a number of similar planning applications being made in the UK and some are on areas of land outside of the settlement boundary. It is difficult to see exactly the numbers because each application being made by the Exclusive Brethren is done under the name of a Trust name that has a local connection. We are being asked to accept a huge building that, like many other similar buildings owned by the applicant, using their own figures would only need its full capacity on perhaps 3 days a year. As I understand it these annual meetings are for invited Brethren so why do they need so many similar sized facilities in the UK bearing in mind there are 24 Brethren in Liphook? The application makes much of the comparison of this application with those granted for the playing field and doctor’s surgery. Nothing could be further from the truth. The recreational and health facilities are truly for the benefit of all off the people of Liphook. In this case apart from 24 Liphook Brethren no one else will be welcome and their will be no community use available. It is also mentioned in the application that this facility would be a draw to Liphook like a good school. This is a somewhat strange analogy when the Exclusive Brethren have their own schools for educating their children. The planning application submitted by the Brethren includes a number of supporting documents and in one it gives the web site of the Exclusive Brethren as www.theexclusivebrethren.com. As well as information about the Brethren it gives a link to a document titled LIVING OUR BELIEFS, The current way of life of the Exclusive Brethren by Bruce D Hales. This document sets out an account of the Brethren’s beliefs. Bruce D Hales is the top man in the Exclusive Brethren having taken over from his father in the last decade. He is an Australian a more can be found out about him by doing a Google search on Bruce Hales. As well as other issues I have objected to this application in its current form because the Public Consultation was not carried out correctly. Whilst it is suggested that notices were put up in shops and an advert was put in the Messenger there were unacceptable failings with the process. The application states that an advertisement and press release were placed in the Liphook Herald, our main local newspaper, on 16th July 2010. These were for a Public Meeting due to be held on 16th and 17th July! I was on holiday at the time so I saw nothing of this or whether the meeting information notices were in the name of The South Downs Gospel Hall Trust or the promoter of the trust the Exclusive Brethren. I saw nothing on this website to suggest such a meeting was taking place. This is totally unacceptable and the process has to be repeated, this time in a proper manner. We are in times when the Government are promoting Community involvement and fairness and East Hampshire District Council must respond to this by supporting this request. For those minded to do so your support on objecting to this application and calling for a new Public Meeting will add weight to others who have already made their representations. They have to be made by tomorrow ( Monday) but they can be done on line. Contact details for comments - Julia Mansi (Case Officer) 01730 234236 email: julia.mansi@easthants.gov.uk quoting reference SDNP/39366/017 - or complete this online form planningdevelopment.easthants.gov.uk

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Richard Scott (21st Nov 2010 - 12:57:17) An interesting point, Chris, I found that they do have their own schools. Indeed some pupils travel over 50 miles to school every morning and 50 miles back in the evening. www.schoolinspectionservice.co.uk If they already do this, is there a reason why they wouldn't be prepared to travel a similiar distance to 'worship' ? Focus Learning Trust is the Exclusive Brethren 'umbrella' Educational Trust. They run 26 schools and have set up their own inspectorate — the Schools Inspection Service.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Richard Scott (21st Nov 2010 - 16:14:04) Interesting to note that ( to date ) no Brethren messages of support for the planning application appear on this website. That will be because they are regulated as to what they are allowed to access online. I guess www.liphook.co.uk does not feature as a site Mr Bruce Hales would like them to look at. Yes, the control is that total.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Diana (21st Nov 2010 - 19:00:24) Why does Liphook need another hall? We have more than enough for the size of our village. We also have a Gospal Hall. This is a large facility for only 24 people.As has previously been said the only community it will serve is the Exclusive Bretheren not the Liphook and district community. The National Park is not the correct place for this. I would suggest that the industrial site out on the Whitehill /Bordon road which allready has security fences would be a much better place for this type of building if it is any thing like the one at Farncombe. These people have every right to practice their religion as they wish in this community but perhaps they should think a bit more about the feelings of the rest of the community. I would be interested to know why the 2 councillers voted for this , they must have very strong reasons

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Jackie (21st Nov 2010 - 19:11:59) Regarding the children potentially travelling long distances to School, there is a Bretheren School in Hindhead. Highcombe Edge School, Churt Road Hindhead. So not far from Liphook.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Helen (21st Nov 2010 - 20:16:39) Presumably if you get no reply from your letters to the 2 councillors, you can attend the full PC meeting on the 29th November and ask the question under questions from the public, regarding items not on the agenda. If one googles GL Hearn a report published on EHDCS website will come up. If you read this, the full intentions of the developers become clear, which is is to have the community facilities alongside the housing estate they desire. Are the councillors involved in this desire, are they being promised free land in return for getting all the applications through? It is interesting that the land is owned by a company who have made it impossible to track the individuals behind the land ownership. www.glhearn.com/..medical_centre Previous threads worth reading... bohunt manor tree planting (Feb 2006) Bohunt Manor Estate Development (Aug 2007) Bohunt Manor public meeting (Nov 2007)

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - PeterW (21st Nov 2010 - 20:40:18) I have just emailed the lady at East Hants and also filled in the website doobry as well. If the site is to be used for us locals 2.5 acres of ground could be used to create 2 rugby pitches and a clubhouse. Cricket football and hockey are well represented why not rugby?

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (22nd Nov 2010 - 09:24:33) "A mixed use urban extension of Liphook". So that is what our councillors are so in favour of and is their response to the newly created National Park. Perhaps they should be a little more open about it. There is also, apparently, an Exclusive Brethren hall in Frensham, but they have applied for planning permssion to redevelop it - into a housing estate. Perhaps this explains the apparent 'land grab' and why they need so many halls. Easier to get planning permssion on the claim of religious necessity - then a few years later apply for change of use on land which is not a greenfield site anymore. Clever and extremely profitable!

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - chris (23rd Nov 2010 - 09:37:15) In the Planning Application for this development CSJ Planning on behalf of the applicant state that the Liphook site (outside of the settlement area and presumably cheaper land) is suitable the Brethren because they have “fiscal constraints”. I find this difficult to reconcile with what has been and is taking place, apparently by the same applicant. It is not easy to research because for each planning application a different name is used. They are all in the format “The..............Gospel Hall Trust” and use very similar wording. The name Exclusive Brethren as far as I can see is never mention. The following projects appear to be by the same ultimate controlling party, the Exclusive Brethren: Liphook Hall & Parking Outside of the settlement area Current. Almonsbury Hall & Parking Outside of the settlement area Current. Kirkcaldy Hall & Parking Outside of the settlement area Current. Bodium Hall, Parking & Industrial Outside of the settlement area Current. Stow Hall & Parking Outside of the settlement area. Refused, appeal withdrawn Horndean Hall & Parking Granted on appeal Guildford Hall & Parking On green belt land. Granted on appeal. Reading Hall & Parking Outside of the settlement area Granted. Winchester Hall & Parking Granted Sutton Hall & 14 detached houses Refused on appeal Worcester Hall & Parking Green corridor land Refused. If my information is incorrect I am sure CSJ Planning will tell me because they are not just involved in the Liphook project. A scheme to replace an existing Brethren property within the settlement of Bristol with 51 houses was also promoted by CSJ Planning. I cannot reconcile all of this with “fiscal constraints”. Can someone please tell us what is going on!

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (23rd Nov 2010 - 11:10:55) You know that's very odd. It did say Exclusive Brethren in the application (I noticed because, to be honest, I was surprised it was there)...but now it just says Brethren. I wonder why? Also, that is a huge number of halls for only about 4000 Brethren in the UK. Do they want one each?

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Richard Scott (23rd Nov 2010 - 23:14:11) Liz, there are actually around 16,000 members of the Exclusive Brethren in the UK out of a world-wide total of approximately 45,000. To put this into perspective, Wembley Stadium holds 90,000 people. Fiscal constraints ? When all Exclusive Brethren are required to live in detached properties ? How many Liphook inhabitants would be precluded from the Exclusive Brethren just on those grounds alone, forgetting all their other anti-social dogma.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Justin (24th Nov 2010 - 13:20:49) Whilst I agree with all the objections, we are overlooking the fact that 2 of our Parish Councillors seemed to be in favour, why? Are they serving their own interests here? One of them is also a District Councillor and has a big influence on the planning at EHDC. Please make the other District Councillors who will now vote at Petersfield aware of the strength of feeling, and also please turn up this Monday at the full Parish Council meeting, and ask them why they support this? Mrs Hope was at the Planning meeting and recognised the needs of the community in the future, and so did councillor Jordan. Why are the Councillors James and Neman not listening to the people of Liphook when they vote in favour. Are there dirty deeds being done? what else can we expect if they stay in power? Vote them out in May!

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Bob (24th Nov 2010 - 13:39:46) I took the opportunity to discuss the application with our newly elected MP, Damian Hinds. Whilst he rightly pointed out that as an MP he could not get involved with individual objections to individual applications there is a wider issue here of the national park and the loss of a large part of it to residents now and for future generations. Furthermore this is not just a local issue but goes far wider with perhaps dangerous precedents being set for further development within the national park and in particular this site. I would urge all of you who are concerned to firstly write to Mr Hinds expressing your concerns and as well, if possible, make an appointment to attend one of his local surgeries. Damian Hinds MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA The unprecedented number of comments submitted to East Hants (131), over three times as many as the initial Silent Garden application, testifies to the strong feeling in the village and the fact that this isn't a case of 'not in my back yard' but 'Not it our National Park' and least we forget in your back yard lurks a voter - you!

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (24th Nov 2010 - 15:06:33) Justin Nick Hancock has written a letter to Councillors James and Newman and we await their replies with anticipation! (See earlier post). Meanwhile I think it is worth following Bob's advice and writing to Damian Hinds to express concern about the proposed developments on our newly created National Park and perhaps also some of the broader related issues mentioned in this post.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - helen (24th Nov 2010 - 16:19:14) I think you may wait in vain Liz! You could also speak to them in person at the Parish Council meeting on Monday. I will also try to go to the EHDC meeting in Petersfield when it will be voted on it could be next week as the planning is once per month there as well. I believe they are held on Thursday evenings at 6.30

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Nick Hancock (24th Nov 2010 - 20:38:54) Helen, thanks for the tip about the meeting. Unfortunately it clashes with my daughter's birthday and I think I am needed elsewhere. But if anyone else is free and would like to go then ... . Liz, thanks also for pointing out the "mixed use extension to Liphook" quote. For those who couldn't find it, follow the link (posted by the Editor on 21st Nov) to the website of GL Hearn, the planning consultants who have been advising on the Bohunt Manor site. They may yet come to regret this comment - we need to draw it to the planners' attention when commenting on any future proposals for development on the site. As predicted, the existing permissions are clearly being used as a precedent. "The best news for the Liphook area for years", local councillors are also quoted as saying. Am I being too nice to them when I say that they are naive?

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - chris (25th Nov 2010 - 07:49:55) Sorry, I forgot to mention these in my previous post: Maidstone - Hall, Parking & Industrial Units In Special Landscape Area Permission - Granted. Kirkcaldy - the Brethren's existing site within the setlement area of Kirkaldy was sold and is now an Aldi supermarket. So that is 9 out of 12 applications for 600 person + Gospel Halls on sites where development would not normally be permitted, Outside of the Settlement Area on land not scheduled for development. In one case also in a Special Landscape Area, one on Green Corridor Land and in the case of Liphook within the South Downs Park. I belive this application will be heard at the January 2011 EHDC planning meeting.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Bob (25th Nov 2010 - 13:55:44) Interesting to see that precedents, at least in some minds, are already being set for the national park. Further to previous comments regarding the overall plan for the Bohunt site the following quotes from the Planning, Design and Access Statement for the sports pitches and allotments may be of interest (EDHC 39366/011) 2.3 Discussions between Geriwell Management SA and the Parish Council established that the need for these facilities was urgent. In the event that planning permission is granted it was agreed that the Parish Council will take responsibility for delivering these facilities to the local community in advance of any formal decision that EHDC may make in respect of LDF allocations. 2.4 Geriwell Management SA agreed to fund an enabling change of use application in a parallel with an outline planning application in respect of a proposed new GP surgery which was subject to the same consultation process. Following the grant of the proposed change of use proposals the Parish council and Geriwell Management will enter into detailed negotiations over the delivery of the project. 9.1 The submitted change of use proposals have been prepared in direct response to local community demand for improved sports pitch provision and community allotments. The landowners have agreed to allow the proposals to be brought forward as they are considered not to prejudice their longer term strategic aspirations for mixed-use development of the Frontage Land through the LDF proposals. The above statements coupled with the fact that approval has now been given for the sports pitches and allotments suggests that there now exists a tangled web of vested interests associated with the whole site. LDF = Local Development Framework. wikipedia entry

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (25th Nov 2010 - 15:08:14) Why is Liphook's planning being driven by Geriwell Management's apirations for a "mixed use extension of Liphook" when: 1) The land is part of the National Park. 2) Residents have not been properly consulted. Views expressed in the Parish Survey have been ignored. 3) At least one of the Councillors in favour of the latest stage of development (with no reason given), although living in the broader Parish, does not live in Liphook.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Editor (26th Nov 2010 - 16:37:40) Received today from Chairman of the Council fro publishing on Talkback, as requested by Mr Hancock. APPLICATION FOR GOSPEL HALL AT BOHUNT MANOR Thank you for your letter of 20 November concerning the above mentioned application which was considered by the Parish Council Planning Committee on 15 November. This is the only letter the Parish Council have received about the application, and I am delighted, and grateful, for having the opportunity to respond to you. I looked at the application from a purely planning perspective, and therefore only considered material planning matters. I have looked at the “Talkback” on the local website and I feel that many of the comments made are irrelevant in that respect. In my mind, the only matter of relevancy is that there might be over-development in the South Downs National Park. Prior to the meeting, all the people who approached me did not express any concerns about the application. The majority said that they felt the application would benefit Liphook, a view that I passed on when I gave my presentation to the Planning Committee. I would like to make it absolutely clear that I have had no involvement with the applicant or GL Hearn over this planning application, or discussed any development other than the sporting and recreational facilities at the Bohunt Manor site. I will be posting this letter on the website as you requested. Yours sincerely N Newman Bramshott & Liphook Parish Council

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - chris (26th Nov 2010 - 17:37:34) I am now complely confused. In his letter posted on this website Mr Newman says "In my mind, the only matter of relevancy is that there might be over-development in the South Downs National Park". The minutes of the Planning Meeting held on 15th Novenber (available through this site) however state: "Cllr Jordan asked Cllr Newman if he was comfortable with all aspects of the application. Cllr Newman replied he was". Perhaps if we all attend the Council Meeting at 8.00pm next Monday 29th, we will find out which version is correct.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Richard Scott (26th Nov 2010 - 20:07:21) 'The majority said that they felt the application would benefit Liphook' Quote from N. Newman Would N. Newman be free to elaborate on any of the 'majority's' perceived benefits to Liphook ? I'm genuinely interested, because I can't think of any. Am I missing something obvious ?

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Nick Hancock (27th Nov 2010 - 07:59:33) First, Cllr, Newman, thanks for posting your response on the website as requested. I have now also received a - handwritten - response from Ana James, who I believe chaired the Parish Council planning meeting on 15th November and who is stated (Antoinette, 16th Nov) as having voted in favour of supporting the application. She says (quoted precisely): Thank you for your letter which I collected from the Parish Office. At the Planning Meeting on 15th November I would like to point out, that I did not vote to support the reasons for objections that Cllr Jordan recommended for the Application for a place of Worship on the Bohunt Manor Estate. No proposal was put forward to Support the application as submitted, therefore I also can confirm that the Parish Council Planning Committee objected to the application on the reaasons that are mentioned. I can also confirm that I had not received one telephone call, or letter about the application prior to the Planning meeting, which is very often the case. The Parish Council agreed to approach the owners of the Bohunt Manor Estate to see if they would release land for Sport and Recreational use and allotments, as required in the Local Plan. The Medical Centre was not negotiated by the Parish Council. I hope this clarifies your concerns, and thank you again for your interest. Yours sincerely Ana James Reading this and Cllr Newman's letter, the message seems pretty clear - if you want Parish Councillors to object then you need to contact them in person. Don't expect them to listen out for the word in the village - or on the website! Chris, I think Cllr Newman is saying that, from a strict planning point of view, overdevelopment in the National Park is the only objection made on this thread which could be legally relevant to the application. Clearly, though, he did not agree with it. The interesting point to emerge from this correspondence is that it was the Parish Council who put the proposal for the sports facilities and allotments to the owners of the estate - not the other way round. I wonder how this came about. Did they, for example indicate that they might support other applications on the site if their own proposal was agreed? Were they aware of the owners' "longer term strategic aspirations for mixed-use development of the Frontage Land through the LDF proposals"? Do they share them? Did they express a view on them? Does anyone out there know enough about the Local Plan to comment on the stated need for sport and recreational land? Is there a statement there that this should be on the Bohunt Manor site? Is there any reason why, for example, the Parish Council did not consider extended and developing the existing community sports facilities, say at Bohunt School (which, after all, still proudly advertises that it is a "community centre")? I could go on ... . One more point is clear though: the Parish planning process is getting into gear once more. This is going to be the opportunity to have our say in what comes next ... See www.liphookplan.co.uk for the emerging details of the Parish Plan

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - antoinette (27th Nov 2010 - 17:15:47) Cllr James' letter in regards to her use of the words "...I did not vote to support..." almost made me doubt my sanity. Surely if you vote against a vote to OBJECT, you are voting to SUPPORT the planning application in question? Am I missing something?

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Richard Scott (29th Nov 2010 - 09:47:14) Interestingly Antoinette, this language is very similar to that used by the Exclusive Brethren on their own website and in various press releases etc. I think most folk refer to it as 'weasel wording'. I could give you numerous examples. For instance, the excuse for not having windows in their halls is 'Due to the intermittent use of the Hall, mainly during the evening hours, natural daylighting is of little merit'. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I believe the sun is up at 6am on Sunday mornings from March through to September ! This early meeting is referred to as their 'essential occasion'.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (29th Nov 2010 - 10:29:21) Cllr James' response has to be the most mealy mouthed statement I have seen in some time. She has still avoided giving her reasons for being in favour. Cllr Newman should bone up on his knowledge of planning policies. HC3 would be a good place to start if he thinks our comments are irrelevent. If so many local people are in favour, as Cllr Newman claims, why have we not heard from them on this website? I would love to know why they think a hall with a capacity for 650 people, which cannot be used for functions by the wider community, is a good idea. Perhaps it was this last bit they didn't know about.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Mary W (29th Nov 2010 - 14:58:30) Where is this meeting tonight? Is the council office in that car park in Midhurst Road? This is part of my husbands objection: "Liphook is a small village that embraces all the diverse religious communities that exist within in its boundaries. However, if this happy balance were to be distorted by the arrival of hundreds of people from what is, a minority sect, I feel sure it will create antagonism. East Grinstead is a large town but it is also the headquarters of the churches of the Scientologists, the latter founded by a rich Australian, Ron Hubbard. It is a cult that has caused all sorts of problems for the town. I know nothing about the group who have made the application, but I have heard by chance that they are also funded by a rich Australian. Liphook should not have to suffer the same potential problem as befell East Grinstead. It is fall too small and vulnerable."

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (29th Nov 2010 - 16:57:29) The Haskell Centre is actually on the Midhurst Road, to the right as you enter the carpark.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Richard Scott (4th Dec 2010 - 19:50:58) Any news of the latest planning meeting yet ?

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - helen (5th Dec 2010 - 09:51:12) I believe the last EHDC planning meeting was cancelled due to bad weather, the next meexting there will be first week in January, thursday, but presumably they will be playing catchup and the Gospel Hall possibly on the agenda for Feb?

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - chris (5th Dec 2010 - 13:56:39) This application will be heard at the EHDC meeting to be held on Thursday 6th January 2011.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Sylvia (2nd Jan 2011 - 17:00:07) Not on list of applications on EHDC Website for 6 Jan meeting Why is this application not being deferred until the South Downs National Park takes over planning control in April 2011 ?

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Richard Scott (19th Jan 2011 - 10:09:53) Whatever the outcome of the meeting this week, someone seems to think work will start on this 'Gospel Hall' in July of this year and it will take 8 months to complete at a cost of £1.3m. www.buildingleads.co.uk/...

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - helen (19th Jan 2011 - 11:51:11) This is interesting! following the meeting, the application was rejected by the parish council with 2 abstentions, who were of course Mrs James and Nigel Newman. Who says there is nothing dodgy going on? Are they in touch with what people of Liphook think? The Gospel Hall trust are putting building applications in all over the country, obviously the land is being bought or given away really cheaply in return for the developer getting housing planning permissions.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (19th Jan 2011 - 13:06:58) Why would they abstain? No connected interests surely as they were both in favour initially.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - J Hopkins (7th Feb 2011 - 10:42:52) Julie Mansi of EHDC informs me that "This application is likely to be considered at the March meeting of the South Planning Committee (3 March). It is not on the agenda for the 3 February meeting." At the site visit in December 2010 we were informed that only one representative was allowed to speak on behalf of Liphook interests/residents. Comments on the Planning Application could only be made through the EHDC Planning Portal and must refer to planning issues only (scale, appearance, traffic, services, etc.) and must be justified by "Detrimental Impact". The Consultation Period for this Application closed 25-1-11 so we should agree who is to attend and ensure Liphook is properly represented.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - chris (11th Feb 2011 - 23:08:16) The petition left in local business premises was signed by 345 members of our Community who object to the use of "our" part of the newly created Southdowns National Park for the development of a 650 seat Gospell Hall for the Exclusive Brethren. Those who signed agree with the statement that this development as well as being in the National Park, "is unacceptably out of proportion to the needs of the Community of Liphook". The petition will be presented to the Bramshott & Liphook representatives who are members of the East Hants Planning Committee to demonstrate the strength of feeling against this proposal in the Community they represent. It would seem that this application will go before the EHDC Planning Committee on 3rd March and we propose to make sure that those who object to this application are represented in the manner they deserve despite the fact that only one person is allowed to speak, for 3 minutes! Confirmation of the meeting date and time will be given on this site and you are encouraged to attend the meeting to support the objection to this unacceptable application.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Bob (12th Feb 2011 - 12:48:12) Dear Chris, No your are NOT alone in thinking this is a bad idea. Most people think it is a bad idea. The question should be, who thinks the Gospel Hall is beneficial to the village apart from the parties that will benefit financially?

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Jez Hopkins (25th Feb 2011 - 12:54:24) Who will be attending the planning meeting next week?

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - helen m (25th Feb 2011 - 17:54:53) hi, can you confirm the time and date? i'll try to be there (desparately want to be but childcare requirements may say otherwise...) helen

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Philip Jordan (25th Feb 2011 - 19:05:53) The EHDC hearing for this application has been withdrawn from the March planning meeting. Although informed on Wednesday that it was on the agenda we are now informed otherwise. I am informed that the reasons for withdrawl related to staff resource issues and difficulty of completing the required material for the EHDC meeting. I have been delegated by the Parish Councils to represent its considered views, which are to object to the proposals.This position is well reflected by the large number of signatures to a petition and direct comments to EHDC also objecting to such a building in our section of the National Park and within our parish. The some 70% of comments submited supporting the application come form people living outside the parish, a noticable number of which are duplicate entires from home and business premesis There is now uncertainty as to the planning authority having responsibility for the final decision. After 1st April the new South Downs National Park takes responsibility for planning within its boundary. Given that the next EHDC meeting will be in April after the 1st April "change-over", which authority handles "applications in progress" is yet to be made clear. I am advised that the situation will be known in a matter of days. I will endevour to publish this on "Talkback" together with the location at which the hearing will take place. Philip Jordan (Parish Councillor)

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - antoinette (28th Feb 2011 - 15:26:15) Many thanks to Mr. Jordan for his continuous support in opposing the plans to build a gospel hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate field. Whether the matter is addressed by either the EHDC or SDNPA , Mr. Jordan is the right person to represent our interests. He can be confident he will not be alone at the meeting!

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Russ Ellis (28th Feb 2011 - 16:28:16) Thank you Councillor Jordon for bringing us up to date with the latest information on the Gospel Hall development. It must be very frustrating for you because getting up to date information form EHDC is like getting blood out of a stone. You have the support of the vast majority of the Liphook parishioners. More than 450 gave their time to sign the petition. It is very interesting that 70% of those in favour of the development come from outside of the parish with a lot of duplication. (Very disturbing.) I also notice that according to the Liphook Herald Mr Knap the brethren representative was said to live in Liphook but my understanding is he lives in Fernhurst where his business is. I do hope you get the full backing of our district councillors Anna James Sam James and Eve Hope that they do what they were voted in to do and that is to support the Liphook Community and the vote of the parish planning committee. To get this development refused when it comes up at District Council.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Helen M (28th Feb 2011 - 17:24:13) Thank you Cllr Jordan, as always, very helpful and informative. Very glad you are here voicing our views in a calm and thoughful manner! top notch. helen

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - chris (7th Mar 2011 - 21:35:13) The latest news on the planning application is that because the application will not be determined by EHDC before 1st April it has been called in by the South Downs National Park who take full responsibility for the Park from 1st April 2011. It is understood that the application will be heard at the SDNP Planning Committee meeting on Monday 11th April. The venue is likely to be Penns Place Petersfield. A new twist in this saga is that many of the mature trees trees shown as screening the huge building in the photographs included with the Environmental Report submitted by the applicant have now been cut down! 433 people signed the petition objecting to the proposal on the grounds of location and unacceptable size. Our Parish Council also voted to object. The outcome will now be in the hands of those who administer the affairs of the Park. This document from the South Downs National Park Authority SDNPA report PC24/10 dated 8th November 2010 concludes "6.6 The Committee is therefore recommended to object to this application, and to suggest that the identification of a suitable site be pursued through the LDF process." So one might expect the end result of the meeting on the 11th April will be the refusal of the application.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (8th Mar 2011 - 12:15:08) Let's hope the National Park Committee sticks to its guns. I noticed the relatively new 'Gospel Hall' near Farncombe this morning - it looks disused, which I suspect it is. With the trees cut down the windowless 'Gospel Hall' in Liphook, if approved, is not going to make a very attractive gateway into the National Park. Why have the trees been cut down I wonder. Presumably they were beneficial to the Gospel Hall development. But as that seems less likely, I wonder what Plan B or C is for Bohunt development? These people are very smart and do everything for a reason.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Richard Scott (10th Mar 2011 - 10:29:11) An interesting point about trees in the environs of Exclusive Brethren meeting places. The body of Rex Curtis was found hanging from a tree in the grounds of the Perth Australia Meeting Room following the normal Tuesday night Ministry Meeting on July 17th, 2001. At that time, the Perth Meeting Room boasted landscaped grounds and had a number of mature trees. Two young children were playing following the meeting and found Rex between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm. The authorities became involved and on this occasion, a suicide note was retrieved. It had been taped to his body. The note made it clear that Rex intended his death to be a statement. According to those who have seen the note, it clearly blamed the Exclusive Brethren for "ruining my life". peebs.net/In_Memoriam I gather that the Exclusive Brethren response was to cut down the trees. Maybe this would explain your observations.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (10th Mar 2011 - 15:30:57) I don't think the Exclusive Brethren have any interest in the trees either way. If planning permission isn't given at Liphook for development they will move on - after all, they have plenty of other potential development sites - and no doubt more in the pipeline. At least until local councils cotton on.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Roy (14th Mar 2011 - 10:58:06) There are many good planning reasons mentioned above for the planning application to be turned down which I completely endorse, but on a moral issue do we want such an organisation in our community? I suggest people look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exclusive_Brethren

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - trev west (5th Apr 2011 - 20:58:26) Ive know these people for a long time,worked along side thom past 10 years,if you wanna know the true facts of what there about then read this.They believe in large familys,they do not sin,they got there own community going on,they are self dependant,they have halls all over the place.bognor havant they rent a hall in fernhurst where people do not notice thom.its only a place for prayer.they have there own schools.and has for 84 parking spaces and 650 people at a meeting,they all have for family purposes people carriers,tourneos,carvelles etc 9seaters only for family outings no work vehicles an they vehicle share.they are not like other religions i mean what would liphook say to a mosque?leave om to be there not hurting any one,go and look at there other sites.You should be arguing about Old Thorns which as gotten too big,too much traffic on the longmoor road the skys lit up orange every night with birds whistling through the night thinking its daylight..bretherent arnt doing it for money

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (6th Apr 2011 - 09:17:21) trev If you had read this thread you will know this has all been debated before. No-one is saying that the individual brethren at grass roots level are not nice people or not genuine, but it seems their naivety is beeing taken advantage of. I think you have to ask youself why the hall is needed when there are only about 29 of the brethren in Liphook. You have to ask yourself how much the new one at Farncombe is being used. You also have to ask yourself why the brethen's school in Frensham is being sold for housing development. This situation is being repeated across the country and elsewhere, including Australia where the leader of the organisation flies around in his private jet. The other perhaps key point is that any development in the National Park should be to the benefit of the whole community, not just 29 or so individuals. You will not be able to use this hall unless you are a member of the EXCLUSIVE brethren. (It's all in the name).

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Michael (6th Apr 2011 - 14:25:03) Drove past the one in Godalming yesterday lunchtime, it was organised chaos with people in the road stopping the traffic to allow mini buses, coaches, people carriers and cars to enter and leave the site. They have also erected extras marquees to accomodate all the people. PS it wasnt windy but there were a lot of headscarfs about.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - liz (6th Apr 2011 - 15:31:26) That will be the occasional influx from members further afield as mentioned in the Liphook planning application (4 or so times a year?). No doubt putting on a good show for the planning application. No signs of activity at the Farncombe hall when I go past early in the morning - which is when their usual services are supposed to be. Funny that!

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - Editor (24th Jul 2014 - 14:53:10) Interesting to see that the Brethren have recently bought the Grayshott Golf Centre and are now cutting down trees on Headley Road / Hammer Lane. Some of the local Grayshott discussion can be seen at - www.grayshott.com/../tree-felling-on-hammer-lane The suggestion is that they are building a new access road so they will no longer need to cross land owned by Applegarth Farm. As in Liphook, the residents are up in arms.

Re: Plans for new Gospel Hall on the Bohunt Manor Estate - ellie (24th Jul 2014 - 17:07:32) There is also a huge application for a housing estate at Applegarth Farm itself?

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