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bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - paul (5th May 2013 - 16:14:27) Hi, How long will this Bohunt Monor Frontage Land plan take to complete?

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - tony (5th May 2013 - 21:21:12) How many new houses is it? I've heard they want a few hundred and if they get them, then they will give a bit of the left over land for another school which will then be needed. But the school will have to find the money to build it. Same with a shop and a field for the football team. Not sure if that's meant as a bribe (of course not) Apparently they will only release land for the bribes (sorry, for bribes read generous gifts to the community) if the South Downs National Park roll over and give them all the houses they're asking for! Time to see if the South Downs National Park has teeth methinks. Then there's still land leftover and I've heard say that there are other phases of planning still to come. They're saying this is all really needed by the town, the need for houses and another school is well established blah blah blah. What's the truth I wonder?

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Mike G (5th May 2013 - 23:45:18) Well at least they have come clean now, they want planning permission for residential development. We knew that all along but now it's in the open. We also now know that they are not proposing to pay for anything apart from the access roads which they would need anyway. The Medical Centre would be developed by a third party and leased to the GPs. At what rent? and did they realise this when they agreed to the idea? LUFC needs a home and improved facilities but planning permission is only part of the story, it still needs to be built and that requires funding. GVI need to offer that as well as the land. A new school is probably needed and I've no idea how enthusiastic Bohunt is at providing it. Expanding the existing primary schools is probably a bad idea as the existing traffic problems will only be made worse. The land allocated by GVI for a new primary school seem to have totally ignored the fact that parents drive their kids to school. But hey, they are not building it. Funding will have to come from Hampshire CC, in other words us, the tax payer. Without planning permission this land is relatively worthless, this is all that is being offered up in return for making some of the land very valuable. Whilst some of the ideas may well be good for Liphook and I'm not against development itself, I think Liphook deserves a bigger slice of this pie.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - liz (7th May 2013 - 09:54:45) Is there a new planning application?

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Editor (7th May 2013 - 10:05:29) For those who haven't seen it. a leaflet was posted through doors, made to look very official - but it is not, I'm sure. Headed 'Community Benefits for Liphook' it tries to convince us that they are only interested in helping Liphook. However, as mentioned above it is all blackmail, they won't even start until the residential development has paid for the roads, so this could be after ALL the new properties have been built and sold. If they really want to get Liphook on their side they should build the School and Medical Centre FIRST. It should be remembered that this land was original given to the World Wildlife Fund and was NOT for development. Unfortunately WWF saw an opportunity to make a quick buck and sold the land to developers. I'll add some links to previous threads about this. Bohunt Manor Frontage Land - July 2012 Liphook United Facilities / Pitch - January 2012 Village Plan and Bohunt - January 2012 Bohunt Manor public meeting - November 2007 Bohunt Manor Estate II [The Sequel] - September 2007 Bohunt Manor Estate Development - August 2007

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - B (7th May 2013 - 10:35:47) Maybe I'm being blind, but I don't see any mention of access roads - ie main roads, leading to the development, and through the village without adding to the existing congestion.They mention another roundabout (oh yay!) and the fact that roads won't be needed because there will be more local facilities. But that really doesn't make sense, given what they are proposing. So the people living in the new residential bits will all be working locally, so that they can walk everywhere they need to go? Noone will drive their children to the proposed school, or to play or watch the football matches? (Yes, I know they're talking about a car park for LUFC, but they don't mention how people are expected to access the ground in their vehicles, other than via already-choked existing roads) I don't think I'm the only one who is getting fed up of the volume and speed of traffic, and the blockages we are getting from the already-inadequate roundabout system going through the village, and the knock-on effect around the area. I don't think I would be so anti the proposals had the developers appeared to give a second thought to access. The area is a very enclosed area, with access seemingly only possible from one side. The residents of Liphook already know how inadequate this particular road is for even the current levels of traffic, with on-road parking also being a problem. Do the developers seriously think that installing yet another roundabout will be enough? Maybe Liphook does need some of the facilities they are proposing, but for me, the jury's out on that one until someone can come up with a plan to seriously improve current access and traffic flows. I'm not even sure the proposed A3 link road from Longmoor to Haslemere will be enough, but at least that is a step in the right direction. Rant over - sorry - had to share!

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Mike (7th May 2013 - 10:50:22) Editor Could you please post up the leaflet you mentioned as I did not receive mine. Their website contains most of the same information - www.bohunt4liphook.co.uk Clever use of images and colours (and a leaf) to draw you in.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - tony (7th May 2013 - 11:19:00) This is clearly not being done for our benefit but for their profit, so all the PR in their MasterPlan should be taken with a pinch of salt. As I see it, that whole area is going to get a lot of new housing and once they've got that they'll give over a bit of land for the 'village' to build on, but ONLY if the village can prove they have enough funds to build these things on their own, otherwise contract voided, land returns presumably to them. On their MasterPlan the field below Bohunt is shown full of houses(the one off the Firs), I'm not sure if they've been built yet as I haven't been down there for a while, but that's even MORE houses! Presumably once the bigger new Infant and Junior schools are built the old one will be surplus to requirements and will become yet more flats and houses. (Pretty soon we'll need a bigger senior school too) Then as we have such huge schools perhaps the government will decide we're no longer a village but a growing town and they would like us to take up the slack from their bursting cities (perhaps ramming through even more adventurous schemes). Where better to put them than those mugs down in Liphook, with the A3, the new tunnel, a mainline station that runs into London and a reputation for rolling over on big developments? Just a thought. Oh well, back to my gardening.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - liz (7th May 2013 - 11:33:47) Coincidentally (of course) - they seem to have nicked EHDC's colour scheme! So if we agree to all this housing, which as far as I'm aware we do not need at present (plus there are several reserved sites already earmarked), the cynically named "Green Village Investments" will give us free land for a school and a football pitch. What exactly is the definition of a bribe I wonder?

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - G renouf (7th May 2013 - 12:36:30) Well finally we have the true layout oh what a surprise more housing more community projects wow Liphook will such a fantastic place to live ???? Living on the Portsmouth Road and having houses built all around us this is all getting over the top. Silent garden where planning for 80 plus house but now that's another football pitch, another primary school. Another village green. How many splits in Liphook can we cope with? We cannot get out of the drive in the mornings as it is with the amount of traffic another 100 plus houses 2 cars per house ? It will be impossible. To be honest we will need another bypass linking Longmoor Road with this; the village was not designed for this amount of people and traffic. The exhibition will be interesting to attend, might get an answer on the allotments which I still cannot get info on (have been trying for months) As others have commented "community benefits for liphook" all the developers can see is ££££££££. I am sure there will a lot more comments on this, plus not all of Liphook have received this leaflet only south of the village so far. This affects everybody not just south of he village. How long can we let developers walk all over us?

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Andy (7th May 2013 - 13:53:02) It's worth remembering that when the Silent Garden site was first "consulted" on by the developers, they did not advise the whole village by any means - it was just those in the nearby roads who would have been more closely affected. I would not have any expectation that the whole village will receive a leaflet about this. And, if you go on the developer's website (glhearn), you can only register your support for the scheme (even though there is no real detail) and not any objection. Funny that ...

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - g renouf (7th May 2013 - 19:24:28) The leaflet is full of if buts and maybe's saying thing like the new school will only be given the land if planning is given for houses ( a bit of a twist) I sent an email to the address provides re allotments the reply I have had back just says thank you for your email we will be in touch. no name of who replied etc etc Its just all a bit vague I am not picking at anybody just general notes about the whole village being notified As to the whole of the village a new school would effect the whole village yes/no ? More traffic will effect the whole village ? A change to the roads effects the whole village ? With all the new houses will all the services be updated ? ie water , gas, sewers etc , those living in the portsmouth road will have noticed the sewers over flowing on a regular basis near the footpath entrance to Fletchers field So we will just have to wait for the exhibition and see what happens and see what wonder plan the developers can come up with? oooh I just cant wait..............

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - B (7th May 2013 - 19:50:09) The big question which everyone wants to know is, "How many social houses and apartments will be in this development". Is there a mini ghetto been built in Liphook and are all the surrounding misfits been dumped into 1 area. New medical centre, new school and no mention of how many units/houses been built, this whole development smells of a mini social welfare dumping ground for East Hants. This needs to be stopped

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Tina (7th May 2013 - 20:07:40) If I remember rightly, I visited an exhibition years ago re this after that great charity the wwf sold it to developers, a charity I will never now give to. The plans back then included a new school, medical centre, allotments, a football pitch and opposite my property a cricket pitch, where has this disappeared to, it seems to have been replaced by houses. The houses on the old plan use to be south of the entrance to Bohunt manor, and it was environmentally friendly housing, no mention of that now. A cricket pitch I coud have coped with but more housing is a no. It's all a big con this giving to the village look at the mess the sainsbury's development caused, all we got was a hall and loads of hassle, nothing is ever free. What's the point of having it as part of the South Downs park if they are allowed to built and ruin the great views that make Liphook a lovely place to live. I have lived here for most of my life and it makes me sad that they keep making the village bigger and bigger. I use to know loads of people round the village but now you are lucky to see anyone you know, and for people to speak and join in and volunteer to help with community events and clubs is very rare . I think we should all say no.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - paul (7th May 2013 - 23:56:00) Hi, I think we as residents, are being hoodwinked, and sold down the river. This area is prime real estate, why are we allowing this?

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - A. Ryan (8th May 2013 - 08:03:24) Paul, I think we have been for a very long time.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Matt (8th May 2013 - 08:54:22) "Masterplan" how very grand! I'll say now that I don't oppose new development on principal and will be open minded. There is a lot of moaning on this thread and I sympathise with all of the issues. There is a need to scrutinise the proposals in a rational way and IF anything goes ahead, ensure Liphook has secured the best terms. There are a number of points that require clarification that others have mentioned in particular the number and type of housing. I don't know enough details at the moment but feel what is available is insufficient to make a judgement. It would be helpful to address the following points as well: 1) "The Education Authority has identified the need for more primary school places" How many places are needed? Will the super primary meet this demand AND the future demand from New residents 2) GVI will be submitting a planning application in June on behalf of Bohunt School for a new primary school" Is the school aware and involved in this or is it a play on words? A comment from the Governors or the Head would be welcome. 3) "The school will only be delivered once the new roads on the site have been built, which can only be paid for through the residential development" I find it hard to believe this is true as an access road to a new school would be relatively inexpensive portion of the build. If the Council believe this is an alternative to 2 schools and in their own interest then they can proceed without the development going ahead (assuming they can purchase the land). I can only see this being funded through the sale of the land that the existing primary school occupies. 4) LUFC comment would be welcome on the proposals. As I recall they require flood lights as part of their plans for better facilities. 5) I don't see how a 'community' shop is helpful when there are empty units on Station Road. If this is required then these units would be occupied. 6) "There is a recognised need for more housing in the village" What is this requirement and who is it set by? Do the proposals meet this need. Sadly I cannot attend the exhibition but urge everyone that can to do so.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Alan (8th May 2013 - 09:10:23) A question for Ferris Cowper. On the 19th January you reported (See EHDC Housebuilding Plans) "The plan for house building throughout EHDC is called the Joint Core Strategy. My letter on this subject was printed in last week's Herald. The Government has rejected the JCS because it thinks the proposed housing numbers are too low. This has serious short term and medium term consequences, especially for Bramshott and Liphook." I asked "Can you explain why it has any more consequence for Liphook then it does for any other village / town in Hampshire ?" You never replied - can you please explain, I think in light of the Bohunt Manor issue, we should be told why Bramshott & Liphook is so 'special'.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - tony (8th May 2013 - 09:34:11) I totally agree with Matt that replies would be helpful from some of the supposed beneficiaries of this development company's 'generosity'. I may have been incorrectly informed but was under the impression that not all of Liphook Infants or Juniors places were filled over the last few years, that there were still places available and that children were coming here from Whitehill and Bordon to take up spare places as our schools are perceived to be better. A formal statement from the schools concerned with their position on this proposed development, how necessary it really is for existing residents and whether it could realistically be funded would be helpful.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Ferris Cowper (8th May 2013 - 10:15:33) As we can see in this thread, the matter is quite complex. Before I head into the issues, please note that I make my 'phone number and email address widely known and as a result I usually prefer not to conduct my Council business in chat rooms. For the record, my email is ferris.cowper@hants.gov.uk and my 'phone is 01428-609858. Why is Bramshott and Liphook identified for more development? Firstly, I wish it wasn't and I oppose the strategic statement made by EHDC to that effect. Recent planning applications for large scale developments in Liphook have encountered severe difficulties with highway access and drainage of surface and foul water. I'll discuss an example further down this post. EHDC has to lay out its housing plans for the period up to 2028 by law and the document that does it is called a Local Plan. The first bit which really drives all the other sections is called the Joint Core Strategy, (JCS) and as stated, you have seen me write about that several times and I have also spoken on the subject in public. The JCS has to be agreed by the National Government, which they carry out through their agency, the Planning Inspectorate. Their Inspector demanded a rewrite of the JCS because it didn't contain enough housebuilding. The problem with EHDC is that the 200 square miles of the district is mainly rural and farmland so the number of places you can put all these houses is quite small relatively speaking. Liphook is considered to be a "sustainable" location with shops, schools, buses and employment, with a train service to London. That is why it is on the list with Petersfield, Alton and Bordon. The problem is that with the countryside protected, all this housing is being squeezed into a small area and so density is increasing. To be fair to EHDC, this is a tricky problem. To some extent I can enjoy the luxury of only worrying about my County division because I have nothing to do with the JCS other than I get told what is happening. So my view is that Liphook is "full" when it comes to large scale housing developments. I think we have to be careful and remember that there are many young people and families without a home of their own, especially in Liphook. That means we need to provide for some increases in housing that help these members of our community. However my opinion is that a properly focussed housebuilding programmne that deals with this social issue would not be unduly disruptive to the community and most certainly not as disruptive as the blanket programme proposed in the JCS. Here's an example of the problems of large scale new development in Liphook. The Lowsley Farm application is still only approved in outline because there are major problems with finding an effective and affordable drainage solution. In cases such as this where a large number of houses are proposed, the on site infrastructure, such as drainage, has to be provided by the developer and they must also pay for any upgrades to the network they are connecting to, if needed. Together with your Parish and District Councillors, we have all worked hard to ensure that either this application does not progress to a full application OR that there is enough infrastructure provided to ensure the nasty drainage problems of last Spring do not recur. The Bohunt Manor project is still just a proposal and there is no planning application at all. I would characterise the developer's promotional material as a kind of consultation before formalities start. Obviously their approach is encouraged by the Government's stance on housebuildong and the current draft text in the JCS. However, as I am a member of the Planning Committee at EHDC that decides planning applications I can't say too much about that specific situation in case I am accused of having a closed mind to their ideas. Please remember that you have three District Councillors and that planning is a District Council issue, not a County Council issue. Your District Councillors and of course your Parish Council can all help you with information and advice. The GVI scheme refers to the provision of additional primary school capacity. That falls right in my area of responsibility as a County Councillor. The County Council Children's Services team are fully aware of the need and intend to provide school places that meet the need. The means of doing so is under review and I had to delay my briefing meeting until after the elections for obvious reasons. The briefing will take place in June and I expect to be pivotal to the outcome. You can be sure that I will press for maximum transparency and maximum consultation and above all, to ensure that a common sense decision is made. I hope all this helps. If you need to know more please get in touch. Cllr. Ferris Cowper County Councillor

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Mike (8th May 2013 - 11:57:24) Thank you Ferris for your clarity on this. However, could we not get Lowsley Farm and Silent Garden to provide land for the school and football pitch ? Did we get anything at all out of them for the village ?

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - liz (8th May 2013 - 12:09:00) There will certainly be an issue with drainage if the Bohunt Land is developed. When first proposed (with diagrams from the people who are promoting the latest scheme) natural 'environentally friendly' drainage through the reed beds was proposed because of limited alternatives. For a housing estate? Our new national park could become a swamp!

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Jay W (8th May 2013 - 21:04:26) This is the email sent to parents by Bohunt School :- Dear Parents and Carers At the end of last week a flyer was sent out by the developers GVI outlining their plans for the Bohunt Manor Frontage Land (please see attached). As part of the Masterplan Bohunt School has submitted a pre-application to the South Downs National Park for a one-form Primary School to be built a short walk from Bohunt. The Primary School would be run by Bohunt. I would like to make clear that by entering this application we are NOT expressing a view on whether the Bohunt Manor Frontage Land should be developed; nor are we making a comment about the best solution for the 30+ primary places that are needed in Liphook by 2015 (due to natural population increase and the Lowsley Farm, Silent Garden and other developments). What we are saying is that the educational opportunity is fantastic: Fantastic opportunity to share specialist facilities and staff in order to provide an outstanding primary education and an even better secondary education. Excellent additional resources for both schools including an ecology zone, an outdoor classroom, a park, a competition grade football pitch and a community farm. We are NOT partners with GVI, the new school would NOT impact on our existing admissions arrangements and, as there are numerous funding options, would NOT impact detrimentally on Bohunt School’s finances. Bohunt’s focus is solely and relentlessly on education. This development does offer exciting possibilities, however, we will continue to offer an outstanding education to our students regardless of whether the Masterplan goes ahead or not. With best wishes Mr N Strowger Headteacher of Bohunt School

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - liz (9th May 2013 - 08:41:56) With respect,Mr Strowger appears completely taken in. Whilst no-one would object to a new primary school, would this be able to cope with all the additional places needed if the Bohunt Land is fully developed, after taking new pupils from Loseley Park, Silent Garden etc etc.? We would be back to square one. For once the develpers have been quite open - no development means no land available for the primary school and if funding should not be available then the land could revert to the developers. Mr Strowger praises the benefits of an ecology zone, a park, a competition grade football pitch (good, but funded by whom?) and a community farm. Yet he is not apparently expressing a view on whether the land should be developed. The irony of getting an 'ecology zone' in return for a massive housing development beggars belief. As for the park and community farm do we really need this? One young person wrote a wonderful post on this website (which unfortunately I can't find) about the benefits of the area we live in including the existing surrounding countryside which we seem intent on spoiling.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Andy (9th May 2013 - 10:03:50) It is difficult to accept Head Teacher Neil Strowger's circular to parents at face value, as he says that the school is not in partnership with GVI. Yet the GVI flyer states very plainly that the application for the primary school is being made ON BEHALF OF BOHUNT SCHOOL. Further details of the application about the school can be found on the planning section of the South Downs National Park website at the following link planningpublicaccess.southdowns.gov.uk/... This application seems restricted to the proposals for a primary school and other related recreational matters. There is no mention of the medical centre or more importantly the the residential proposals. By releasing the flyer on a bank holiday weekend and having a timetable for "consultation" which includes half term week when people will be on holiday indicates the tactics the developers are adopting. It is important to have a rational debate on the two key points and try to avoid linking them unless necessary. That way you will see the issues more clearly for what they are. 1. Education. How is future educational provision at Primary level for Liphook best served? The Infants and Junior schools have only recently come together as a Federation and it may be better to think in terms of expanding them (there is quite a lot of land there which could be used) if needed. Presumably the Head of Bohunt School and its Governors knew all about this otherwise the application could not have been made on their behalf. Yet it appears they may not have communicated this until they felt they had to do so. This has a divisive and unpleasant effect which is regrettable. There is a danger that a two tier school system develops, with the existing set up regarding the "new" proposals as unlooked for and unwelcome. That's more a matter for the educational authorities and I am sure depends to an extent on Bohunt School's status as an Academy and what controls they may be subject to in having this application made on their behalf. 2. Planning. We all know the arguments about whether Liphook can sustain future significant development from an infrastructure point of view. These have been well rehearsed in the debates over recent years on Lowsley Farm and the Silent Garden. Comments about social housing and ghettos are very unhelpful - it's a fact of life and central government policy that a proportion of social housing is generally required and there is nothing you can really do about it. So if people really do object to the proposals then let's make sure that there are really good planning reasons for doing so. I am not an apologist for the planning process. But you have to understand it to be in a position to try to affect it. 3. Linking them together I just think it is shameless that the prospect of significant residential development is being merged with or even hidden in other proposals. It seems clear that the non-residential aspects will be separately funded and are a long way off. The way the flyer is positioned makes the issues seem a no-brainer - effectively asking do you favour better educational provision and medical facilities for the community? This is a motherhood and apple pie question which no-one is going to say no to unless they fully understand the implications or the details - which so far are lacking.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - tony (9th May 2013 - 11:22:54) Further to the link between Bohunt and GVI. If GVI really are acting on behalf of Bohunt School then the school needs to be careful it's name isn't being used inappropriately to push through a huge watershed housing development in Liphook. Is Bohunt School being naïve or are they fully informed and backing the scheme? Whilst the offer of a free field or two is clearly going to appeal to Bohunt School, they still have to pay for the school and facilities or we'll end up with the housing and no school there. I remember many years ago in Merton Abbey when Sainsburys built their new Hyperstore they left a bit of land to the council to build a swimming pool. Everyone thought it was a done deal, they made it sound that way. Actually the local authority never got round to building it (funds never quite seemed to fall into place) eventually the land reverted to Sainsburys who built a retail park there. The cost of a field without planning is maybe £10,000 an acre. This is peanuts compared to the cost of building the school, we need to keep that in perspective. Also, if it reverted to GVI with planning permission for a school that wasn't built it could then easily be changed to other use (more housing etc), so a great gamble for GVI all round a win win for them either way. Land worth maybe £10,000 an acre becomes worth a fortune based upon a 'bribe' that will cost them peanuts with a real prospect it could return to them WITH planning! And it 'buys' them planning agreement for their housing estate too! And still the drainage issue to resolve. Sounds like that may be Liphook's unlikely saviour. I'm beginning to think local people's views have absolutely no influence on planning applications at all. All this land was left by the owner to the WWF to be a nature reserve for all time. Actually not a housing estate.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - liz (9th May 2013 - 13:09:46) The ancient thread 'Bohunt Manor Estate Development' from August 2007 shows who we are dealing with I believe. - Notably the comments of 'Paddy' or Patrick Cox, the brother of the owner of of the land, held through the company Geriwell Management, based in Lichtenstein. We now have GVI, but I suspect the ultimate owners are the same. Still the same promoters / architects 'g.hearn' Also interesting was the "Charitable efforts" of the Songololo Trust - but the link doesn't work now as the website was quickly shutdown when some suggested it might be less than charitable.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Editor (9th May 2013 - 13:48:16) This document from January 2010 on the EHDC website makes interesting reading. It is from G L Hearn www.easthants.gov.uk/ehdc/...

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - mike (9th May 2013 - 14:11:47) Thanks Editor , but who instructed GL Hearn to produce this document, was it East Hants ? though funnily enough it does make a good case for the development. Quite a bit to wade through though. GL Hearn are well paid by the owners of Bohunt Manor to try and get planning permission for the land. On page 31 of that document is a letter sent on behalf of Geriwell Management SA and Mr Brian Cox: Bohunt Manor Estate to DEFRA trying to get the land excluded from the South Downs National Park. Thankfully they were not successful.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - liz (9th May 2013 - 15:06:40) A very professional document but not an official one, just the developers' proposals in a posh frock. It makes a good case of course as it presents just one side of the argument. The trouble is that those who object don't have the funds to produce an equivalent document and the planners don't have the funds to fight off multiple applications (assuming they should want to). It's very one sided.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Trevor Maroney (9th May 2013 - 21:08:59) BRAMSHOTT AND LIPHOOK PARISH PLAN I am not surprised by the furore generated by this proposed development nor by the presentational method being used to elicit public support – you must admit: it is very subtle. I am, however, surprised that the strong objections presented here have not been shared with your very own Parish Plan Steering Group. As a team we are very aware that any proposed development on Bohunt Manor would be very contentious. Since we are reaching the defining stage in our research we would welcome well-reasoned and constructive alternative proposals on the location of new facilities to those currently being offered by GVI. It goes some way to answering Liz’s point about not having the funding to present alternatives solutions. We do have limited funds to cover expenses and our time and expertise is entirely free. So if you wish your views to be incorporated in the Plan, either for or against this proposal, or any other scheme we would like to hear from you. You can go to our website at www.liphookplan.co.uk where you will find the latest information on the Plan, our membership and contact details. Apart from this link we have no wish to join this debate on line for obvious reasons. We are purely planners seeking long term, workable solutions on behalf of the community. In that respect we do need your constructive input. Thank you. Trevor Maroney Secretary BLPP

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Chris (9th May 2013 - 21:21:43) I am a supporter of improving recreational and educational facilities in Liphook. The issue is how this is achieved. The basis of the developers argument is that you can only have the improved facility for Liphook Footbal Club and new school capacity if you let us build a significant number of houses in the South Downs National Park. Is there really a case for so many more houses in Liphook when planning permission has already been granted for over 400 houses that have not yet been built? As I understand it each of these 400 houses already approved will, when built, attract an EHDC Developer Contribution of £1,350 towards \" Open Space & Recreation\". This is the contribution for 2013/14 published in an EHDC scale of charges. That equates to a total figure of £540,000! I would like to know from either our County or District Councillors how much of this would ultimately be available for Open Space & Recreational projects in Liphook. Are these funds ring fenced for Liphook? I would also like to know if we have an existing source of unused funds built up from earlier developments.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - liz (10th May 2013 - 08:27:10) Ideally the owners of the Bohunt land should be willing to sell some land for the school if needed. They have been apparently willing in the past to sell off a parcel of land to a rather obscure religious group for a Gospel Hall. Surely the school is a far more worthy cause?

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - dawn (10th May 2013 - 13:40:29) Please remember that if you wish to have information from your district or county councillors than you must contact them directly. Not via this site. There are links to the side of this page I believe? Please don't just post your objection here - make sure it is lodged in the correct place with the correct person. Also remember that the Parish Plan is an important document - so please sent your comments in to the Parish Plan.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Peter (10th May 2013 - 15:26:55) How can Dr Lambert Grasern and his co directors who all live in Liechtenstein possibly have any idea what is or is not needed in this village. All the land at Bohunt Manor was left to the World wild life fund as a wild life sanctuary enough damage has been done already. Obviously they are not aware that this land forms part of the SDNP. (I don't suppose you would if you lived in Liechtenstein) I'm assuming that GVI is merely a trust fund for the true owners who must live reasonably locally.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Mum (10th May 2013 - 15:39:14) We received this letter from Liphook Junior School today, another view on the debate: Friday 10th May 2013 Dear Parents and Carers, During the Bank Holiday weekend a flyer was sent out by the developers GVI outlining their plans for the Bohunt Manor Frontage Land. We were not consulted about this by the developers and received this flyer the day before it went public from Bohunt School. You will notice that as part of the Masterplan Bohunt School (an Academy School) has submitted a pre-application to the South Downs National Park for a one-form Primary School to be built with the developers. On further reading we have discovered that this could potentially be expanded to a two-form entry primary school i.e. 420 school places. You may have wondered why we have not responded before. We felt it necessary to stand back and make sure that we made a measured response, once we had more facts and could reflect on what we believe would be best for the whole community. Our School’s position on this is as follows: 1. Primary School Places The Federation of Liphook Infant School and Liphook C of E Junior School, alongside other existing local primary schools, including independent schools, already meet the needs of the local population and have the capacity to meet future demands. The publicity from the developers indicates that we do not have this capacity- this is not true. We are in discussion with the local authority about how this would be possible should the need for more primary places materialise because of potential developments. We could expand our existing provision by an additional form entry utilising the space we have on site, at a much lower cost to the taxpayer than building an entirely new school. Much of the pressure for extra school places is coming from outside Liphook, as parents from outside the catchment area choose to bring their children here. We already have more places than are needed for the children of Liphook. In fact 175 children come from areas outside of Liphook. 2. Traffic We have been engaged for a number of months with local councils and residents in looking at how we can improve the traffic flow around our schools. We are confident that there are positive actions that can be undertaken to improve the situation by working together with EHDC. However it is worth noting that numbers on roll at the infant and junior schools have remained the same for many years whilst Bohunt numbers have continued to increase considerably with children travelling from Surrey and West Sussex. The build of significant additional housing in the village can only make the situation around the village centre worse, irrespective of where children go to school. If the Lowsley Farm development goes ahead this is on the same side of the village as our schools so the children would be able to walk here. 3. National Park Ethos We strongly support the ethos of a National Park which limits development in order to protect our countryside for our future generations (the reason that this land was donated to the WWF several years ago). We teach our children to respect and protect their local environment whilst this proposal is about building on the South Downs National Park. 4. Village facilities We support the need for greater facilities for Liphook, though not where they would involve development on the National park. Our Governors and many of our staff live in the village and believe strongly in working together with other community groups for the benefit of all our families. Looking at the interests of local parents and children our priorities would be along the lines of: - A strategic traffic plan - A 6th Form College - A leisure centre - A new home for the football club with all the space and facilities they need for all their teams On the flyer GVI development company is keen for you to register your interest; however they give no information on how to share your concerns. If you wish to do this, we suggest you visit the following website planningpublicaccess.southdowns.gov.uk/... where you can lodge your comments on the application form. The closing date for these comments is 29th May. Alternatively you can email or call Cllr Ferris Cowper who represents Bramshott and Liphook on EHDC and sits on the Transport and Education Committees on ferris.cowper@hants.gov.uk or 01428 609858. If you feel as strongly as we do about supporting our school and local community, please take the time to send an email directly to Cllr Cowper or make a comment on the planning application via the South Downs website by 29th May 2013. A link to the South Downs website and details of the information we are planning to share with the Parish Council, EHDC and Local Education Authority is on the school website. Please voice your opinion, whatever it may be. Do NOT leave it for someone else - every comment counts.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - pete (10th May 2013 - 17:48:05) Its sounds like Liphook Junior School are afraid of a bit of competition! Isn t it better that we have more choice, and you have to admit that Bohunt School are an exceptional school, even nationally they are tops, so no doubt they would replicate the same with a new school. I would not wish to see LJS expeand anymore - it would just get even more soulless and there is not guanteeing that they would be anywhere as good as a Bohunt School run junior school More choice I say, Bring on a bit a competition to shake LJS up !!!

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Hal (10th May 2013 - 20:20:00) I don’t think that it’s about competition for the school at all – it’s about developers trying to use the lack of school places as a bargaining tool when it clearly isn’t. There are spaces still available at the infants school, and there are certainly enough spaces for the local population. As the school letter states, there are many children at the school from outside the local area (so therefore it must be in these far flung places that there is a lack of school places, not in Liphook!) While many people will point out that there is a lack of housing for young people in the local area, surely this is being addressed by the THREE big housing developments in Liphook that are planned (Silent Gardens, Lowsley Farm and the remaining area of the Sainsbury’s development next to the Green). These developments alone mean Liphook is taking far more than it’s fair share of new housing needs for Hampshire. I also believe that the whole point of having national parks is to save the countryside for generations to come. If planning is allowed for a development of this type in a national park it would seem to me that the whole point of having a national park is flawed!

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - tony (10th May 2013 - 20:53:37) A good reply from the Junior School. I can't see the merits in having 2 primary schools in Liphook! It's divisive and nonsense really. Already the (Green Industrial Development Company or whatever they've called themselves) have been disingenuous about the well proven needs for housing, school places or whatever. It's as I thought, the Junior school is more than covering the number of Liphook children and then some! The 'need' for hundreds of new places would be a self perpetuating prophesy. Build, build, build. Thousands of new people=hundreds of new primary school places needed. Just what are these guys planning for??? Once the bulldozers move in on that scale, the dye is well and truly cast. Liphook can accommodate them all. Also, I agree that a sixth form college would be a much better focus for the senior school in Liphook to be pressing for, not a second primary for the builders. Liphook Infants and Juniors are great schools I have a child there and in my opinion Bohunt would do well to focus on it's own age groups rather than this divisiveness. It's only a field after all.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Cal (11th May 2013 - 01:49:58) Well the developers are persistent I will give them that... The Bohunt Manor ‘greenfield’ site shouldn't be built on, because not only is the land an area of outstanding natural beauty, which belongs to the South Downs National Park, but the development will not have sufficient traffic or road infrastructure to support the housing development and proposed primary school. Even if they 'improve' the roads, I think traffic and congestion will still be a major issue. Development of the ‘greenfield’ site will only increase traffic congestion on the Portsmouth Road, which is already dreadful due to station commuters parking vehicles down the road near the proposed development site entrance, and due to the development of the Jet Garage into Moss Court a couple of years ago. Congestion of other key roads into the village square, would increase significantly if the development went ahead, causing the village to become further heavily congested during peak times, meaning certain roads would become more dangerous (especially Portsmouth Road). A number of unused 'brownfield' sites in and around Liphook exist, sites such as the remaining 'Sainsbury’s Development' site land, so why should the developers be able to build on and ruin precious 'greenfield' land within the protected South Downs National Park. I just cannot see the sense in opening another school either, I could understand expanding Bohunt secondary school, but surely not the opening of another primary school!

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Simon (11th May 2013 - 09:22:53) This scheme is called Bohunt4liphook. Perhaps it should be renamed "BuggerupLiphook". The town is almost at a stand still at 8.00am and 4.00pm in any case and this will be the straw that breaks the camels back. Another issue for the planners to consider is the previous application that the same piece of land was subject to recently, which interestingly was turned down by the National Park Authority. That was for a Gospel Hall for members of the Exclusive Brethering. Sounded nice enough but was infact big enough to have an indoor football pitch and would not exactly have been crowded as I believe only about fifteen people in the area are part of that cult (sorry religion). The developers behind the proposed sale to the Exclusive Bretheren were the same people trying to build houses on that land now. They are the same people that have built allotments that people cannot get to or use in an effort to secure the future development on the land to the South of the proposed development. I have read the leaflet distributed by them which is an insult to our intelligence. Why should we support people interesting in nothing but making money for themselves. If they are interested in the local school give them the land for free or even sell it to them now. Better still build the school with some of your profits! This is a total scam that will leave a new development surrounded by redundant land that the local authority cannot afford to develop, which will eventually become more houses. Please do not fall for this SDNP authority or your lovely park will become a not so lovely car park Sent from my iPad

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Mrs Long (11th May 2013 - 09:28:44) Liphook Junior School is not afraid of any competition. The facts are that there are over 10 primary schools in the area and surrounding villages providing education for our children. What is actually needed in this area is a SIXTH FORM COLLEGE/COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION! As a local parent I have been through the problems of having to send my son to a college in another county where there is no help with transport costs. Every college or further education facility that our children wish to attend, cannot be reached unless we drive them or allow them to take the train or bus at considerable cost. Wouldn't it be nice for our children to be able to walk or cycle to college? After all they are more independent at this age and won't necessarily need driving to school. Increased traffic problem solved as well! Bohunt School, I feel, should be thinking more about the current education of their students, in a field of learning they are trained in. They shouId also be taking this opportunity to extend their teaching further to where there is obviously a gap in the education system here. As a parent of a pupil currently at Bohunt school, I will be interested to see whether my daughters education will be helped here or whether I will have to go through the costly process of her attending an out of area college in a few years time. Then there is the concern of building on land that is and should be kept as National Trust land. We already have the development at Lowsley Farm. Surely we need to see what the impact of this development will have on the village with regards to traffic, congestion and school numbers etc. before yet another development is decided on.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Justin (11th May 2013 - 09:40:45) Pete, You must be a developer or a Banker to come up with the argument of building on a nature reserve in the South Downs National Park, an unnecessary new school at taxpayers expense, just to provide some competition to the local school. I have admire your Chutzpah though; I just wouldn't want to live in a society with too many people like you!

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - H Lucas (11th May 2013 - 22:37:15) It seems to me that if any development is warranted at all then a SIXTH FORM COLLEGE is a logical and much needed complement to our current primary and secondary provision. Does anyone know any reasons why this would not a good idea?

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Mike G (11th May 2013 - 22:40:35) I agree we do not need another primary school and I also agree that Liphook needs a sixth form provision. I'm not sure that a full sixth form college is the answer though. It would be more appropriate for Bohunt to have it's own sixth form offering the most popular courses. Those with less mainstream choices would still have the sixth form college option.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Sarah (12th May 2013 - 10:51:48) I have to agree, I think a sixth form college or sixth form wing of Bohunt would be excellent and there is an obvious gap in the local education needs for this age group. I don't understand the need for another primary school and presumably, at some point, another junior school?

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Jay W (12th May 2013 - 17:41:55) Well said Mrs Long. There is plenty of "competition" for the infant and junior schools within a 5 mile radius but the nearest 6th form education is Alton? Havant? Godalming? Note also that the proposed public park and nature reserve will be owned and managed by Bohunt School (for the benefit of the community of course). How fortunate that they are skilled enough to be able to diversify in this way without affecting our children's education. Presumably this means they can also choose to close it to the community as well? Ridiculous comment in the Masterplan leaflet that the addition of these community facilities will contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing car use .... how exactly? Oh, the people occupying the new houses will be able to walk to their GP, football pitch and primary school - but who else in the village will be able to do so? My parents are already concerned as to how they will reach their GP as they do not own a car and can only just manage to get to the village centre.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - bdavies (13th May 2013 - 14:39:03) I see that the Herald is viewing this as the answer to all of Liphook's problems, but it's not. I suggest that as many people as possible go to the open events (Saturday will suit most I expect) and ask them how they plan to address: 1. The extra traffic that will add to the existing problem, 2. Drainage that will add to the existing problem, 3. The need for a sixth form college rather than a junior school which, if it is necessary, should be provided without the houses and not necessarily on this land. 4. The fact that we already have a proper EHDC driven housing allocation that meets Liphook's needs going well forward. 600 plus houses in the pipeline! This land is part of the SDNP and therefore should be preserved as such.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - ellen (14th May 2013 - 15:26:30) I am afraid that if you go to the exhibition then you will be seen as a supporter of the scheme? G L Hearn will only count the number of visitors into the hall, not note down any negative comments? Far better surely to show a complete lack of interest? Our turning up will be seen as interest and all they will note down, 40 visitors -- 40 interested people. Just boycott this as they will not log you as an objector but interested in the scheme.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - joanne (14th May 2013 - 17:14:25) Ellen are you sure that they would log you as a supporter if you went along. Would it not be better to just go with an open mind I wonder ?

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Chris (14th May 2013 - 21:36:37) After reading all the comments on this subject I think it's quite obvious the developers are very cunning and underhand with this leaflet and its objectives. The primary school can accommodate any future requirements already, so we don't need a school. We already have doctors surgeries so we don't need a medical centre. The football pitch would be a nice thing to have but there is very little chance of SDNP allowing floodlights and why have a football pitch at the back of an housing estate with all the associated traffic coming into the village. We already have this area of outstanding natural beauty so we don't need the token nature reserve. These bribes and false promises mean nothing, the developers know there is very little chance of funds being found to see these projects completed. The allotments are probably the easiest to achieve at very little cost but where are they? What happening about the trees they cut down which had TPO's on them and the ancient hedgerow they destroyed along London Rd. why are they beyond and above the same rule we as individuals have to abide by. If they know much about the needs of Liphook, how? Who did they ask? Do they just look on these forums? You watch this space, the next proposal will be for a sixth form college! An overwhelming majority of people probably don't want this delevopment, a small minority will for their own selfish gain.. If people are complacent then you risk changing the face of Liphook forever. If you have moved to the area, think of what attracted you to this large village. If you have lived here all or most of your life then you have been very fortunate to have grown up in a lovely part of the world. Beware of the developer as they only interested in the £££££'s they will make. If you want another soulless housing estate found in every town in the UK then go and register your support. If however you wish to know the truth go and ask the developers pertinent questions and then ask the Parish councillors who will be available for the facts .. Then register your comments on the SDNP website..

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Jo (14th May 2013 - 22:34:09) I have lived opposite this proposed site for nearly 15 years and ever since the WWF (a so-called charity) sold on what was graciously left to them we have lived with the threat of developement. More houses, more traffic, more noise, more pollution. What happened to village life? Why on earth do we need another primary school when we have a school that sits on enough land to expand. I am getting tired of having to constantly fight against so called "green" developers. Leave the land as it is. It's time the South Downs National Park actually stood up and said NO - END OF.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - liz (15th May 2013 - 09:13:26) An excellent and clear summary from Chris in my view. However what Ellen says does worry me a little. Even if we go along to the meeting to register objections I can see the obviously pro-development Gabriella Pike writing in the Herald: "50 people attended a meeting to support the proposed new development at Bohunt" or perhaps even a more carefully worded "50 people expressed an interest in the proposed new development at Bohunt". Hard to know what to do for the best!

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - ellen (15th May 2013 - 10:48:40) The Lowsley farm developers did the same at their exhibition day at Bohunt school. They had their own website for the scheme, a day long exhibition, and lots of people attended-- there was nowhere to register objections to the scheme. When I questioned EHDC on this exhibition day, they said that so long as the developers had mounted an exhibition to show the plans they had fulfilled their pre application planning obligations. At the EHDC planning meeting where the application was decided only the number of people attending the exhibition was mentioned. In my opinion it is dangerous to be counted as an interested party in their propaganda. Show you are not interested in development there and boycott completely. If no one is interested it will at least send a message? Turning up there means you are interested. GVI are interested in maintaining their profits in the British Virgin Tax haven, and selling the land on once permission has been given. After permission was given for the medical centre allotments and playing fields, ownership changed from Geriwell management to GVI. Three years on from the permissions and nothing is built for the village?

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - liz (15th May 2013 - 11:04:25) ..And they know there is no money and so the land will eventually revert to more housing. What happened to the proposed cricket pitch I wonder?

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - ellen (15th May 2013 - 12:00:08) There is a planning application already in for the school on the south downs website the reference number is SDNP/13/02104 please go to SDNP website not EHDC

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - bdavies (15th May 2013 - 13:09:01) I take back what I said as the argument against going is very, very valid. There are already 49 comments on the SDNP planning site for this planningpublicaccess.southdowns.gov.uk/... I just added my twopennyworth. Please object if not already done so.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - tony (15th May 2013 - 14:10:06) Just been on and done it. Not sure how much sense it made as I was rushing a bit. Recommend everyone to get their opinions up there, whatever they are. Let's see if democracy still works in this country.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Local resident (15th May 2013 - 19:12:09) Reply re alotments etc, i was aking some general questions , this proberely needs more investigating, the allottments have been in place for a while so could they have not been released early? Thank you for your email. I take each of your questions in turn: - The original proposal was to transfer the allotments plots to the Parish Council to own and manage. However, it is now proposed to transfer this facility along with adjacent nature reserve to Bohunt School to be managed for the benefit of the community. - We are still at the early stages of working on the housing and will have a limited amount of information available at the events. We will be consulting on the wider masterplan again later in the year. - The football club is in the field to the west of the Silent Garden site, and the field already has planning permission for a football pitch - As we note in the leaflet, the proposals will not be successful without the support of the community; people have a choice about whether they want to support or not. We obviously hope they will. - No one at GL Hearn who is involved in the project is a local resident I look forward to being able to talk this through with you at the exhibition.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - D. Advocate (16th May 2013 - 00:39:18) This is totally intriguing. Brian Cox is a very clever man and, I imagine has had his plans in place for some time. Remember the engagement of local "volunteers" with tree planting back some time as if it was an ecological developement? Look back on this site at responses then to challenges of his credentials as a benefactor or an opportunist. His brother, Paddy, responded then on Brian's behalf (one would think) with fairly abusive responses to views aired by caring locals. You may well be tempted to think that the planning application for a massive gospel hall (rejected) was a ploy to get planning for housing at a later date. But, he will not give up, he has made a significant investment at Bohunt and will wish to get the maximum return. (i guess if I were he, I might well want to do the same)

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - dawn (16th May 2013 - 12:21:45) I do not know who Brian Cox or Paddy Cox are. Can someone tell me who they are and how they are involved in this development. thank you Brian Cox was the person who owned the land after WWF. It is assumed he still does. Paddy, his brother, was 'using' the land for his Songololo trust. See this thread - Bohunt Manor Estate Development in which Paddy communicated with the local residents.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Kat (16th May 2013 - 16:23:36) dawn I am sure D Advocate will be able to tell you and if not I suggest you go and ask Councillor Don Jerrard who I understand was asked to remove himself from a meeting in Rogate and was asking questions about one of the Cox brothers.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - liz (17th May 2013 - 14:23:35) Please keep up the objections to the SDNP. There are 42 comments available for public viewing but I suspect there may be more. Comments registered now are not being made available for public viewing. (Could be tech reasons, it doesn't say). I would also refer those compiling the parish plan to the views expressed by local people on the SDNP website regarding the proposed development.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - ellen (17th May 2013 - 14:24:21) The ownership of Bohunt manor will certainly change once the money has been made on the gaining of PP. If you do object then go onto the SDNP site the link is above in the thread. Do not forget that these fabled mythical facilities may not happen? They will also only happen if enough private funding is found or commercial reasons for even the medical centre to happen. Planning for the medical centre has been granted over 3 years ago. The local surgeries have not so far even dug foundations. The only thing guaranteed to happen is the houses, if enough support is given.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - liz (17th May 2013 - 14:47:33) As far as I'm aware there is no funding for a medical centre and no proposals to build one - despite the planning permission - which will lapse in time. (This is not a comment on the relative merits of the facility).

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - D. Advocate (19th May 2013 - 00:45:23) Kat, I do know who Brian Cox is although I do not know him personally, but I am well aware of his business ethos. The "Masterplan" as presented to the residents of Liphook is at best condescending and at worst an attempt to persuade all of us it as a gift from the gods. Greeks bearing gifts are best avoided.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - ellen (19th May 2013 - 09:45:19) What did did all the visitors to the scheme think? I mostly heard negative comments when I was there. I think that it is brainwashing and using the adjectives "GREEN" and "ECO" is a clever marketing ploy these days. "Green" investing is big business now.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Eneida (19th May 2013 - 12:16:11) Well the developers have dangled the 'carrot' e.g. school, medical centre, football pitch etc. in front of Liphook residents to get their housing estate and if that doesn't work, I wonder what the 'stick' will be? Don't be surprised if it's this... Downs_solar_farm_facing_opposition as Ellen says 'Green' investing is very lucrative nowadays. This would have far less impact on the village.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Dave (19th May 2013 - 20:47:20) I was rather amazing yesterday; I went to the exhibition to see what everyone thought about the plan and to see what the developers were proposing. However, I spoke to one of the teachers from Bohunt, who was supporting the new plan. I asked a few simple questions about the development and I was rather amazed by his ignorance of key issues regarding this development. I asked about the traffic that would now be directed to the Portsmouth Road if the plan went ahead. The teacher told me that the traffic in Liphook would be better because commuters would come into Liphook via the Station Road, and therefore would avoid coming down the Portsmouth Road - hmmm not sure if I agree at all with you I am afraid… I then told him how bad the situation was already down Station Road and Portsmouth Road for traffic especially during peak times, however, he accused me of 'exaggerating' the traffic conditions at peak commute times. There are plenty of ‘brownfield’ sites they could build a new school on, if it was required, which from speaking to many parents and a couple of councillors it does not. The Portsmouth Road and Station Road in Liphook does not have the infrastructure nor capacity to cope with the high level of traffic this development will bring. The village will come to a complete standstill (more so than currently) if this goes ahead. To be quite frank, parents will have to leave earlier than they do currently to pick their children up from school if the development goes ahead, because parents will have to queue down the Portsmouth Road behind the parked cars to get to the ‘proposed site entrance’ or queue down the Station Road. I cannot urge the people of Liphook, and the surrounding areas to oppose this development by submitting a public comment on the South Downs Application Site, below: South Downs National Park

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - bdavies (20th May 2013 - 13:07:39) Dave, Ellen, what was the turnout like?

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Dave (20th May 2013 - 23:38:37) Turnout was okay. There were quite a few people there opposing the plans, I spoke to a couple of the councillors about the plan and most them seemed against it and said the same kind of thing, that Liphook hasn't got the infrastructure to support the development and that it doesn't need another school.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - ellen (21st May 2013 - 11:06:23) I agree with Dave there were a fair few people when I went but I did not hear any support of the blackmail eg facilities for houses? Of course these facilities are all meant to be funded by us? They are only so far selling the land to the school who will decide then if they can afford to open it up to the village? It is so suspicious that the ownership of GVI has been set up as a nominee names trust in the British Virgin Isles. If they are tax dodgers all they will do is sell on the profitable bits eg the land for building not having a vested interest in the ongoing maintenance of the land or facilities. If they were so keen to ensure we had a medical centre, why has no money been found to build it after 3 years? I don't think that they are selling the land to Bohunt School, the original leaflet was vague indicating that they would fund the land but not until ALL the houses were built and sold.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - ellen (21st May 2013 - 18:36:42) Is that the school "Funding" the land? that means buy surely? GVI own the land and can sell or give it to anyone now presumably?

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Dave (24th May 2013 - 18:29:00) It's good to see that a lot of people who object the proposed development of the Bohunt Manor land have lodged their comments on the south downs application site. So far there are 74 comments from people in, and around Liphook opposing the development. Don't forget that if you wish to object to the development you only have until the 29th May 2013. Here is a link to see existing comments on the south downs site about the development: goo.gl/KbxoM

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Mrs G (29th May 2013 - 19:51:42) Being one of three people ( that i know of ) who have removed their child from Bohunt School due to being unsatisfied with the teaching and manner in which issues are dealt with, i suggest Bohunt concentrate on teaching the children they have and don't diversify into being builders or nature reserve managers!

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Trevor H Roff (9th Jul 2013 - 16:02:04) I completely agree with Cal (11th May). Liphook centre regularly snarls to a halt during rush hours and school times. Unless the new residents can access the A3 along Longmoor, the queues will become impossible. Because, of course, 75% of the new residents will need to travel to work on the A3; it is cloud-cuckoo land to suggest otherwise. The developers must tell us how many of them have stood in Liphook square from 8am to 9am, or on the Headley Road 200 metres down from the Square. Only then will they have any right to pontificate on traffic in Liphook. I hope the new traffic sensors will tell us how busy Liphook centre is and let that bring some light on this acrimonious debate.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - liz (9th Jul 2013 - 17:18:28) The developers will be very pleased to hear what you have to say. Their initial plans included a road through the site from the end of Station Road (at proposed new roundabout) to the Longmoor Road.... And then no doubt more housing adjacent to that road.... This will not relieve The Square of the huge volumes of traffic from Haslemere or to Sainsburys.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Lord Peter Holloway (10th Jul 2013 - 07:16:19) The Council will give them planning permision, it does not matter how many residents complain, they will still get planning, and the reason why is ......Section 106. Section 106 is planning gain money, where companies who want to build, give The Council money for other things that they need money for....in return for planning permission. You can complain all you like to the council, but you will probably find that it is already a done deal and this is all just lip service...... You can complain to your MP but there is nothing he can do about.... I know all this from experience, and Councils do NOT care about the residents as long as it does not happen near them...... Good Luck...Lord Peter Holloway ( I am on your side )

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - A. Ryan (10th Jul 2013 - 10:00:53) Lord Peter Holloway, I totally agree with you. We also were against a planning permission, and went through every channel necessary to oppose,but to no avail. In the end we were basically told the outcome was always going to go against us, as the councils "hands were tied" I am afraid that money speaks loudest, so when it comes to the important decisions in the village most of them will become "yes" men, which does beg the question what is the council for?

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Valerie (10th Jul 2013 - 13:25:14) The decision does not rest with East Hampshire District Council Planning Department. It is out of their hands and entirely under the jurisdiction of the SDNP.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Tim H (26th Nov 2013 - 12:08:20) Here we go again, another propaganda flyer from GVI through the door this morning (although no bonus primary school this time).. What would be nice is if we could get some clear answers on: a) the likelihood of this development being granted planning permission given the current levels of opposition to it; b) If and when PP is granted, when is the development likely to be completed? c) What research is being undertaken on the potential impact on existing infrastructure should PP go ahead? 175 new homes is say, another 525 people (and that's just this one development) in Liphook, a village that is already described above in this thread as being full, with no real scope for expansion given the surrounding countryside/farmland and existing layout of the village.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Ian (26th Nov 2013 - 14:15:04) More manipulation and spin. Ultimately the sweeteners will disappear and we will just be left with new homes that Liphook really does not need on top of Silent Garden and Lowsley Farm. Lets not lose site that these are property developers looking to build houses for their own profit. This is their sole purpose, they are not looking to benefit anyone other than themselves.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Rachel (26th Nov 2013 - 19:07:09) When Lady Hoar lived in Bohunt Manor all she wanted was to keep the land for nature conservation. The WWF even tried to get her to vacate her own home before she had died! They were so keen to get their hands on her land. Land that she bequeathed to the WWF in all good faith. Lady Hoar must be turning in her grave!

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Francis (26th Nov 2013 - 19:57:18) I would suggest that one way or another this plan or a marginally changed one will get through despite all objections. The developer will have put in for too many housing lots with the expectation that they will get the number knocked down. I think that rather than everyone saying they are against the plan that the best approach would be to see how best to get the most out of the plan to benefit Liphook – and I don’t just mean the bling stuff like community sports facilities. The best angle would be to make sure that there is an integration of the area into the rest of Liphook, currently the plan just treats the area as a quadrant within Liphook. The one road proposed for access is insufficient. There has to be some serious consideration for a relief road going through the Bohunt estate – yes, there is a danger that it may become a rat run but it could at least be limited to cars through the use of a width restriction (which should give an additional benefit of slowing vehicles down). There is also the probability that at some point someone will seek to build next to the relief road but that will have to be dealt with when/if it arises. The statisticians consider that the population of the UK will rise by some ten million by around 2050. Without doubt most of this rise will be in the SE. Whatever happens this development and others in Liphook will occur and we must accept that it will occur. The best thing we can do is at least try and make it the best it can be. And for the sceptics. I do not know the developers or indeed anyone involved in any aspect of the development. I merely live in Liphook and I believe that we have more chance of shaping the future by moulding it than by fighting it. For those that don’t know it I see that on the bohunt4liphook.co.uk website that there are to ‘consultancy teams’ showing interested people around the site on the 7th & 8th of December.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Ian (26th Nov 2013 - 21:11:47) These developers would love the village to accept these proposals for new homes are inevitable and cannot be stopped. From day one when they pulled done the hedgerows they have tried to convince the village these new homes are a " done deal" ! They are not and don't let the flashy spin, pr, consultations etc and other gimmicks convince otherwise

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - Jane Ives (27th Nov 2013 - 08:24:25) All, following the public meeting in July where there was strong objection against the development plans an action group has been formed. We are currently working hard looking at all aspects of these proposals and seeking views on alternative uses of this land. If you would like to find out more please visit the website at www.sosbohuntmanor.co.uk and/or email support@sosbohuntmanor.co.uk. We would love to keep in touch with as many people as possible whilst these plans are being discussed as we strongly believe the residents should have their say.

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - bernard (27th Nov 2013 - 09:43:50) I wonder what this application for "an outdoor classroom" really means. It was validated 25/11/13 SDNP/13/05398/FUL

Re: bohunt4liphook.co.uk scheme - bdavies (27th Nov 2013 - 10:08:01) GVI have set up an open 2 days over the week-end of 7th and 8th December. Not sure whether to go and register disapproval or not go and keep the numbers down. Nothing is a done deal and we should not just let it all happen with an "oh well, what can you do" mentality. With all the other applications for housing, some of these must not be allowed to go ahead. If we have them all then Liphook would be ruined (more)!

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