You can search the (B&DBC) Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council’s list of planning applications.

I have made comments on several applications for development around Whitchurch. I hope that you might be inspired and encouraged to do the same. This is a pretty and historical market town dating back over a thousand years…

My interest in the town started soon after I moved here in Oct 2003; One of the first things I did was become the main photographer for the Whitchurch Design Statement, which has been adopted as supplemental planning guidance by B&DBC. Its a good document to read to learn a bit about the town and its development (you might even like the pictures in it!).

How To Add Comments To Planning Applications

If you want to add your comments to planning applications, then follow the links below - yes, its a lot of steps, but please don’t be put off by it!

a) click on the link for the plans (search their site here*)
b) click on the “Consultation” tab
c) Click on the phrase “Click for a list of public consulted or responded”
d) Scroll all the way down to “Public Representatives” and click on “click here”
e) Click on “If you do not have a reference number click here”
f) Finally enter your details and comments, then preview and submit them

The planning committee can only consider relevant planning issues:

• appearance and character of development
• traffic generation, highway safety and parking
• overshadowing, overlooking and loss of privacy
• noise, disturbance or other loss of amenities
• layout and density of buildings
• relevant planning policies

Things that cannot be considered:

• boundary disputes, covenants or other property rights
• personal remarks (e.g. the applicant’s motives)
• reduction in property values
• loss of private view over the land

The same applies when appearing before the committee if you chose to (Wednesdays at 6:30pm in Deanes, Civic Offices, London Rd, Basingstoke)

You can ring the “Plans Process Team Leader” on 01256-845409 to learn more about the process.

Redevelopment of the Old Library Site on Bell Street

Update: Planning applications BDB/67896 and BDB/67897 were withdrawn by the applicant.

The Whitchurch Library used to be housed in a “temporary” 1970’s building on Bell St, near the GP surgery. In 2007, it moved to the new Gill Nethercott centre. That left the old site ready for redevelopment. And in early 2008, a planning application was made by the site’s new owners, who reside in Salisbury.

It has sparked lively debate and even a petition. Have a look at their proposal. Compare it with photos of other (new and old) places around it. Then decide for yourself if you think it fits in, or is an improvement to the place. Oh yeah, they want to take down the mature trees on the site, too.

• My photos of the site
• Blog entry showing my submitted comments on this development
• Planning applications: BDB/67896 and BDB/67897
• Discussion about this on Whitchurch Web Forums

Redevelopment of Serendipity Sam’s Site on Evingar Road

There is an industrial building sitting on the side of a hill, just around the corner from the Whitchurch train station. There was a short-lived children’s play centre there called Serendipity Sam’s - their moldy sign is still there.

A developer in early 2008 has proposed to tear down the ugly structure and put up a high-rise in its place.

Links:

• Planning application: BDB/67768
• Discussion about this on Whitchurch Web Forums

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