A DECISION on whether to convert a playground into an allotment site in North Warnborough has been deferred.

Odiham Parish Council has earmarked land, in Hook Road, for about 20 allotment pitches, to be funded by £20,000 of developer money.

It follows years of discussion about creating the first allotment site in Odiham and North Warnborough.

Earlier this summer, the parish council gained permission to create an access gate from Hook Road, so that cars can drive on to the site.

But members decided to defer the decision at a meeting on Monday, after receiving a letter of objection from a North Warnborough resident.

Councillor Mark Faulkner, chairman of Odiham Parish Council, agreed with the residents that people who live in Hook Road had not been given enough time to register their views on the plan.

But he said he disagreed with other objections raised in the letter, such as an increase in on-street parking problems in Hook Road, and the value of the play area.

He said: “This is not something we have just jumped on. It’s been actively discussed as a council since before I was on the council.

“It is something that has been regularly requested and asked for updates on at the annual assembly.

“I am not saying that the site would be a solution to all our residents’ appetites for allotments but it is a move in the right direction.”

Cllr Helen Fleming said the parish council should not make the parking situation worse.

Members resolved to discuss the item at next month’s meeting.