Public event held for warehouse plans on Lodge Farm

As previously reported, Obsidian Strategic has now lodged a pre planning application with Hart District Council for 105,000m2 of commercial logistics floorspace across five warehouses to be built on countryside near Junction 5 of the M3.

A public meeting was held on Thursday, February 29 at 7pm at the Cross Barn in Odiham to discuss this proposed development and its impact.

The plans would see the warehouses built on Lodge Farm between Odiham and Hook.

Pre-application documents submitted to the council gained more than 71 objections.

READ MORE: Residents objecting plans for 'enormous' warehouses on countryside rally round

Now, people who strongly oppose plans have set up a group called Villages Oppose Warehouses.

A spokesperson for the group, Dr Sally Bonneywell, said members have many concerns about the potential plans.

They are worried about the negative impact building the 'enormous' warehouses would have, including the flood risk, pollution, loss of amenities, environmental damage, and threats to adjacent conservation areas. 

Dr Bonneywell said: "We got almost 200 hundred people who attended the event which was just staggering to see.

"People were really just anti-warehouse and I don't think people really realise how big they are and that we would be able to see them for miles around."

She said those who attended the meeting were behind the group and wanted to understand how to stop plans going ahead.

SEE ALSO: Planning application to build warehouses on Lodge Farm in Hook

The group currently has nine committee members who hope to inform residents from North Warnborough and the surrounding areas about the plans.

The group is also raising funds in preparation for hiring consultants and other experts needed to create a strong case to present to the planning authorities.

Despite objections, Obsidian Strategic previously said its proposals will 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”.

Ben Johnson, planning director at Obsidian Strategic, said: “We understand the concerns some people have, and have gone through an extensive process of listening and engaging with local people. The planning application has not yet been submitted, and we are continuing to listen, consider the issues carefully, and refine the proposals.

"Our designs have evolved throughout the consultation process – with more green landscaping to screen the development, demonstrating how we will protect the River Whitewater, and removing an electric car charging facility to reduce the amount of traffic visiting the site."

He continued: “Even so, around a third of the feedback we had during the consultation was from people who live nearby saying that they welcomed the new jobs that the development will provide. Many people also got in touch to say that they wanted to see more jobs for young people locally, including apprenticeships. There is a real need around Hook for new employment opportunities, and that came through clearly in the feedback we received.

“These proposals would create 2,400 new jobs, contribute as much as £125 million a year to the local economy and generate up to £4 million a year in business rates, helping Hart District Council to fund local priorities.”

The group hopes to hold another meeting in Hook and Hartley Wintney with a date yet to be confirmed.

For more information about the group visit villagesopposewarehouses.org.