SOUTH Downs planners are due to decide a controversial scheme for 22 holiday lodges near a Hampshire village.
Applicant Mr R Seacombe wants to build the development, which includes an on-site manager's lodge, facilities/reception building, spa and car parking, on the site of the former Upland Park Hotel, Garrison Hill, Droxford.
Originally built in the 1930s the hotel closed its doors in 2012. Planning permission was granted in 2017 for 22 holiday lodges at the site, but this has now expired. The new plan has been submitted by a different applicant. The hotel burnt down in October 2020.
The scheme will be decided by the South Downs National Park's planning committee on Thursday, June 13. It has been recommended for permission, however it will have to be refused if matters relating to water neutrality have not been resolved, or the legal agreement is not completed within six months of the planning meeting.
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The development has received an objection from Droxford Parish Council as well as 11 from members of the public and one neutral comment.
Winchester city councillor Danny Lee, who represents the Central Meon Valley ward, objected. He said: “The application lacks adequate, future-proofed, resilient protection measures for the River Meon and associated wildlife. A standardised approach for wastewater and surface water management is inappropriate for this sensitive National Park locality. The site requires hyper-local and optimised sustainable solutions tailored to its unique environment and current poor unhealthy status.
“The highest environmental standard for protection of this unique and valuable ecosystem of the River Meon is required. Otherwise, the SDNP might be at risk of not fulfilling its statutory duties to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage, ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.”
Nicola Anderson, of Swanmore Road, Droxford, said: “I object to this application due to significant concerns over the impact on the environment, biodiversity, water quality and the local environment.
“The application does not appropriately allow for adequate waste water treatment with the waste water having a likelihood of polluting the River Meon. Holiday makers will not understand what cleaning products are suitable, and not, and would assume that the properties are on the main sewers. Most water treatment systems are not designed to cope with bleach etc hence leading to pollution of the chalk stream waters.”
The planning officers' report said that the lodges would be restricted to holiday use only and that each unit would have two bedrooms.
For more details about the application, search SDNP/23/01722/FUL on the South Downs National Park planning portal.
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