More than 80 villagers were present to see Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council object to the application by Bloor Homes to build 100 houses at the poultry farm on Chiltley Lane, Liphook.

Councillors voted against the proposed development at a meeting of the parish’s planning committee on Monday, March 20, to the delight of members of the South and East Liphook Residents Group (SELReG) who had turned out in force.

The parish council’s objections are based on several concerns, including the routing of traffic through the Berg Estate, which councillors believe will have a “severe cumulative impact” and justify refusal as per national planning policy.

Councillors also found Bloor’s traffic and transport mitigation measures to be inappropriate and likely to cause loss of character in the Square Conversation Area.

And they said homeowners buying properties at Bloor Homes’ proposed estate on the poultry farm at Chitley Lane, Liphook, risk becoming victims of the historic flooding issues which have long blighted  homes in Midhurst Road.

Objecting to the plans at the parish’s planning committee meeting on March 20, councillors said: “There is insufficient capacity for both foul and storm water drainage at the site itself, across the Berg Estate and out on to Midhurst Road.”

In addition, they said the application omits plans for pedestrian safety at Midhurst Road, such as crossing points and alternative safe cycling and walking routes away from Midhurst Road.

The residents present at the meeting added their own concerns about insufficient sewerage and drainage in the area, as well as sharing fears that the traffic projection and modelling is flawed.

Residents of Liphook have previously expressed their opposition to the proposal, with the South and East Liphook Residents Group (SELReG) leading the charge against it. 

The group has highlighted the damage the development could cause to the village, particularly in terms of traffic and green spaces.

One of the major concerns raised by residents is the potential loss of flower beds in the Square due to the proposed expansion of roundabouts, as proposed in Bloor Homes’ traffic assessment. This has been deemed to be “vandalism of the grossest kind” and a “work of pure fiction” by SELReG.

East Hampshire District Council, which will have the final decision, has set a target date of April 13 to determine the application. Its next planning committee meeting is scheduled to take place on April 5.

A Bloor Homes spokesman acknowledged “there will invariably be a range of different opinions expressed” when new developments are proposed.

But they added Bloor’s proposals for “a high-quality and sustainable development” include measures to ensure highway capacity and positive traffic mitigation, the potential for public transport improvements, promotion of walking and cycling and facilities for sustainable transport, including electric car charging points.

“The outline planning application submitted to East Hampshire District Council is supported by a number of technical reports, including a comprehensive transport assessment,” the Bloor Homes spokesman continued.

“These, along with the application proposals, will be the subject of full assessment and consideration by the council and all relevant determining authorities when they make a future decision on the planning application.”

The Liphook in Bloom committee said in a statement: "‘Liphook in Bloom have not offered an official opinion on the suggestion about the removal of the flowerbeds in the village.

"Many members of our team involve themselves in local affairs and I am sure that they have made their feelings felt in local forums and at presentations that are run to discuss planning matters. As a team we have not been presented with any proposals to comment upon."