A LARGE new store can be built in the South Downs National Park despite local objections.

George Rees wants to build a third building next to two stores that were previously grain stores, off Stakes Lane, near Upham.

Objectors said it was out of keeping with the national park and had no need to be in the countryside.

There were 35 objections and four letters of support, the city council planning committee was told.

Objectors Libby Cleaver, of Ashton Close, Bishop's Waltham, told the committee last Thursday: "It is a disproportionate expansion of existing premises to the detriment of the landscape character. This activity does not need a rural location. It does not support farm diversification. There are noire sustainable sites for storage and distribution than such a sensitive location .

Cllr Josie Wood, of Bishop's Waltham Parish Council, told the committee: "We object to the new storage building. This site has two large buildings that used to be grain stores. They were given permission for a change to general storage in 2006."

Cllr Wood echoed concerns about the road capacity saying there were signs saying it was unsuitable for HGVs. Upham Parish Council also opposed the plan.

Objectors said Stakes Lane would not be able to take the increase in HGVs. But Michael Papps, agent for the application, said the current store was served by vans and cars and there were no plans to use large lorries.

The building will be a very visible eyesore from a network of National Park rights of way, say objectors. They pointed out that such a business should be located close to a built-up area and in a less sensitive location.

The planning committee required the developer to reduce opening hours by closing on Sunday and public holidays and to provide more details of drainage on the site.

Councillors voted to accept their officers' recommendation and approve the scheme, by a vote of five to four.