Key Planning Harms
Local residents are encouraged to review and object to this planning application due to the serious harms it would cause to our area.
Key Reasons for Objection
Increased Traffic & Congestion around Ashdell Rd, Mill Lane, Paper Mill Lane and Wilsom Rd
The Alton Neighbourhood Plan (ANP) and associated Traffic policies have already declared that Spittalhatch crossroads is at maximum capacity. This was before the completion of the Lidl site on Montecchio Way onto Mill Lane and the new developments by Cala on the old brewery site and by Project26 off Wilsom rd (Langrish Grove). Not only is the infrastructure inadequate to deal with increased HGV movements, these are proposed to be 24/7, so incredibly disruptive to all homes around the Spittalhatch area. The proposed development will also burden the transport infrastructure through Kingsley and Bordon, as the HGVs will be accessing the Distribution Centres via the B2004.
Severe impact on nearby homes
The proposed industrial buildings would sit directly opposite residential properties, causing major loss of outlook, visual intrusion and harm to residential amenity. This type of development is wholly out of keeping with a family neighbourhood and the vista outlined in the ANP.
24 hour industrial use next to housing
The application allows unrestricted 24-hour operation, including HGV movements, loading activity and external lighting. This would result in unacceptable noise, disturbance and light pollution, particularly at night.
Serious road safety risks – especially for children
Wilsom Road and Langrish Grove are narrow residential streets used daily by children walking and cycling to school. Increased commercial traffic and HGVs would significantly raise the risk to pedestrians and cyclists. Existing safety problems would be made worse. Increase risk of accidents with higher movements of HGC traffic from A31, up Mill Lane and down Wilsom Rd.
Flood risk and drainage concerns
Parts of the site lie within Flood Zones 2, 3a and the functional floodplain, next to the Caker Stream (a Main River). The development would increase surface water run off and relies on future drainage approvals that have not been secured. The units on Riverside are already suffering from flooding and some have been unable to get insurance, so have had to leave the site and close their businesses. The floodplain is wholly inadequate for this type of development. Not only will future units on the proposed new development suffer, so will the existing units in Riverside and Omega Park.
Harm to wildlife and protected species
Ecological surveys confirm the presence of protected species, including dormice, bats and breeding birds, within a sensitive chalk stream corridor. The scale, lighting and 24-hour activity of the development pose serious risks that cannot be reliably mitigated.
Missing information and reliance on future mitigation
Key details are unresolved, including construction impacts, drainage design, ecological licensing and Environment Agency consents. Planning policy is clear that permission should not be granted where fundamental risks remain uncertain.
No proven local need
No clear evidence has been provided to justify this development in this location, particularly given the significant harm it would cause to residents, safety and the environment. As of 16 February 2026, there are 14 empty similar retail units for lease and/or sale under 0.5 miles awat from the new site. This is not required. The land has been detailed as Employment Land by the ANP but there is no unmet need for the erection of 4 very large industrial units.