PROPOSALS that would see warehouses built on countryside near Junction 5 of the M3 motorway have received hundreds of objections.

As previously reported Obsidian Strategic is currently planning to sought planning permission for 105,000 m2 of commercial logistics floorspace across five warehouses.

Although a planning application is yet to be submitted, documents relating to an early pre-application meeting have now been made available.

The plans would see the distribution centre built on Lodge Farm located between Odiham and Hook.

SEE ALSO: Plans made for a 'significant new employment development' in Hart

The proposals would also ask for space for 200 EV charging points, but the pre-appilication documents submitted to Hart District Council have now gained 71 objections.

Basingstoke Gazette:

An initial document has been submitted to the council, which aims to outline the topics and analyse the potential environmental impacts of the proposed plans. It has so far attracted 339 public comments with only two supporters.

Mr Elliot from Hook commented: “Overall there will be a massive increase in traffic, mostly of heavy vehicles but also 1000 employee vehicles daily.

“Large HGV are extremely loud and residents will hear them 24/7 with no relief. With potential to have refrigerated lorries over night which are extremely noisy through the night. Effect on residents mental health and well being must be taken into account and not quickly brushed off.”

Ian Robertson, also from Hook, added: “The scoping application for the proposed transfer of land from working agricultural use to business use (warehousing) seems perverse in the light of national pressures on food security.

“I know that this plot represents a tiny piece of the jigsaw in terms of overall national food supply, but the principle of removing land agricultural capacity is an important one. After all, once it's gone it's gone. Warehouses may come and go but the agricultural use will not be recovered.”

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Despite objections, Obsidian Strategic said it would make a "significant" improvement to the A287 “by enabling access and the free flow of traffic, as well as improved footways, pedestrian crossings, and cycle and pedestrian routes between Odiham and Hook".

Philip Scott, director of planning at obsidian strategic, said: “We are continuing to work on the proposals for a new employment development next to Junction 5 of the M3 motorway. There is significant and growing demand for logistics space in the area to meet the needs of local and regional business and to ensure that businesses, shops and the public have products in the right place and at the right time. Following Brexit and the pandemic it is now critical for the region, and for the country, to have greater self-sufficiency and more resilient supply chains.

“We are having early pre-application discussions with officers at Hart Council and carrying out a full assessment of any possible environmental impacts, but a planning application has not yet been submitted. Before we submit an application we will talk to the local community in Odiham and North Warnborough, listen to their concerns, and address them if we can. We will be starting that engagement in autumn this year."

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