WHITEHILL Town Council has objected to a planning application to rejuvenate Bordon’s Forest Shopping Centre.

While councillors were in favour of the regeneration “in principle”, the associated flats that the applicant is hoping to build were deemed contentious enough for the council to submit an overall objection to the scheme.

New centre owner Orchard Grove Asset Management, in London, aims to breathe new life into the centre, which has recently seen a number of shop closures.

As well as a raft of proposals for the centre itself, the firm is seeking permission to develop 37 new flats.

These will take the shape of two detached buildings comprising 16 flats and eight flats respectively in Heathcote and Pinehill roads (Heathcote Lodge and Pinehill Lodge), as well as the conversion of vacant space above retail units one to three and nine to 13 to create 13 additional flats.

The improvements inside will see the creation of two new retail units as well as a number of renovations to make the centre “feel more open and welcoming”.

Alterations include: the removal of the eastern and western entrance doors and canopies; removal of the brick planters; repainting the existing canopy white from black; providing new signage; removing the polycarbonate atrium roof and then installing new lighting, planters and a “green wall” of plants.

In its comments to East Hampshire District Council, the town council said: “Members support the regeneration in principle, including the existing flats and reconfiguration of the existing shops, but object to the overall application.”

The grounds the council listed were: no formal allocated parking proposed for residents; the proposed loss of existing parking spaces; the potential for increased traffic and cars parking in surrounding roads; insufficient space for deliveries and for large vehicles to manoeuvre in the service yard as a result of the proposed Heathcote Lodge development; the proposed height of four storeys of Heathcote and Pinehill lodges; that the two building proposals were out of keeping with the area, and would cause overshadowing and a loss of outlook, sunlight and privacy.

The town council also cited a proposed loss of access from the car park to the church as a problem.

Whitehill Town Council is a consultatory body, and the final decision will ultimately be made by East Hampshire District Council.

Similar concerns about the volume of residential provision have been raised by members of the public commenting on the district council’s online planning portal.

One resident highlighted the issue of insufficient parking, describing it as a “serious issue” already.

“These new buildings will be a complete eyesore and, although I strongly object to this building application, I believe there are far more suitable sites for additional housing elsewhere,” the comment added.

“The people who are applying for this planning do not have to live here and deal with the aftermath of this ridiculous proposal.”

But the applicant insisted that the residential developments were suitable, sustainable and an “essential” part of the package with the other works.

In its design and access statement, submitted to the district council with the application, it describes the rejuvenation of the shopping centre as a “unique opportunity” that will also provide “much-needed housing at the same time”.

“It is proposed as a package because the two elements together are greater than the sum of the parts,” the applicant explained.

“The proposed improvements to the shopping centre will attract tenants and customers, making it a lively and vibrant hub for the community of Bordon.

“The residential element will add footfall and ensure it is a social and secure district, providing opportunities for extended evening trading and an even wider range of services.

“The overall vision for the scheme is modern mixed-use development, providing a pleasurable and social place to live with many essential amenities within easy walking distance.”

* People have until next Friday, February 19, to submit their comments on the application, which will be decided by the district council in the

coming weeks.