CHIPPING DEPOT AT NORTHINGTON AS A POSSIBLE SITE FOR GYPSIES, TRAVELLERS AND TRAVELLING SHOWPEOPLE (GTTS)

objects to the proposition that the chipping depot at Northington should be designated as a site for settling GTTS families. This objection is based on the fact that scrutiny of survey W038, as presented by Peter Brett Associates (PBA), reveals serious errors of fact and demonstrates either lack of or disregard of local knowledge.

1. Reliability of Data: Under the heading accessibility PBA provides a list of distances to services.

SERVICE CLAIMED DISTANCE REALITY BUS STOP 2.2 kms Probably at Lunways on A33 PRIMARY SCHOOL 3.4 kms 5.80 kms SECONDARY 6.0 kms 14.48 kms SHOP 3.8 kms 9.97 kms TRAIN STATION 6.4 kms 8.10 kms GP 5.5 kms 14.48 kms

The above table betrays PBA’s apparent disregard of reality and leads one to question the other premises (see below) on which PBA have made their recommendations.

2. Location: PBA note that the site is located ‘in a sparsely settled landscape’ and admits that it is’ outside the development boundary and in the open countryside’. Were a private individual to propose that this site might be used for residential development, the proposition would be rejected immediately, let alone be allowed in PBA’s words to ‘establish a significantly sized site’.

3. Physical Constraints: PBA claim: That there is good road visibility on a quiet country lane. The survey notes that access is narrow and would require widening.

Reality: the road supports local agricultural vehicles and a large volume of lighter traffic to and from the A33 to Northington and the Candover Valley. Provision of wider access for showmen’s trailers, would destroy the still rural nature of the site. PBA seem to be unaware that previous survey work has shown that sightlines will require HCC to fell 5 ancient oak trees, which are currently subject to Tree Preservation Orders (TPO).

4. Landscape Impacts: PBA's survey notes the existence of ancient woodland, hedgerows, tree belt, field, large areas of woodland ( Woods).

Micheldever Woods are extensively visited for public recreation and are busy all the year round - not just during the famous bluebell season. PBA make no mention of the ancient archaeology to be found in the woods - a focus point for tourists and local schools. The proposed GTTS site is a mere 300 metres from Micheldever Woods.

Page 1 of 4 5. SWLA: PBA’s survey seems to be unaware (or omits to say) that the proposed site is part of the Stratton Woodlands Landscape Area (SWLA), comprising small woods and shelter-belts. When the SWLA was created, Local Government pledged to conserve and enhance its natural features.

6. Points of Natural Interest: Hassock Copse, adjacent to the Chipping Depot, is designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) classified 1A, meanwhile the road verge itself comprises natural chalk grassland with its attendant flower and grass species. Unsurprisingly, there is extensive natural activity including: Glow-worms and slow-worms, Bats (pipistrelle and long eared), Dormice (designated site), Butterflies including Silver Washed Fritilleries, White Admiral, Purple Emperor. The copse and site is on a migration route for toads and frogs.

For a more comprehensive appreciation of the natural habitat, please refer to Robert Bryant’s expert commentary sent under separate reference.

6. PBA claim: that the site is already developed and is unused. Reality: The site has not been developed; moreover It is actively used by the HCC Highways Department as a grit depot and has been for many years.

7. Schooling: The nearest primary school is in Micheldever, which has already absorbed a significant number of GTTS children. If it proves necessary to bus children to or Sun Hill in Alresford, it would require a round trip of 30 kms with attendant costs and additional traffic on narrow roads.

8. SPECIAL NOTE: Part of the UK's national strategic pipeline for aviation spirit runs under this site. It connects the refinery at Fawley with the Army Air Corps at Middle Wallop and RAF Odiham but more widely, it is part of a national strategic pipeline network. The pipeline is also in service commercially and CLH- PS, its current owners, pumps aviation spirit through the site to Heathrow, Gatwick, Stanstead and Manchester. The Ministry of Defence will wish to take a view. c.f https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CLH_Pipeline_System

9. The proposal to put a major residential development on this rural site appears to fly in the face of the planning guidelines, as has understood them. Residential use would constitute a significant threat to an established eco-culture, including light pollution and waste materials (drawing on experience elsewhere) on a rural site. A decision to provide GTTS accommodation at Northing ton, based on incorrect facts and ignorance of local conditions would constitute a serious planning failure leading to the destruction of a beautiful part of .

Page 2 of 4 Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople. Site Assessment Study 2016

Northington Chippings Depot (WO38)

Dear Sir,

I wish to object to this proposal on environmental grounds, social and welfare concerns and road safety issues.

1. I've lived along the lane from this site for the last 22 years and consider that these proposals would have an adverse impact on this environmentally sensitive area. The site lies within the Stratton Woodlands Landscape Character Area, sits adjacent to the Hassock Copse Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, with roadside oak trees nearby,protected by Tree Preservation Orders.

2. There is a wealth of wildlife closeby which I write about for our Oxdrove magazine and I am concerned at the impact of this scheme on the local habitats. Hassock Copse is a noted bluebell wood in the spring. Solomon's Seal, an indicator of ancient woodland, grows here on the wayside verges. Glowworms are found in the summer months. Frogs and toads pass through on springtime migration. Both slow-worms and grass snakes have been recorded here. The fields nearby have larks and lapwings; brown hares and roe deer roam widely, red kites float overhead. At night there are bats and owls. A barn owl used to live in the old brick pumping house at the depot.

3. I consider the lack of facilities at the Chippings Depot to raise serious welfare concerns. There is no power supply, toilets, or sewage treatment here. The site may very well be contaminated. The presence of an underground oil pipeline is a further hazard to a site that regularly attracts anti-social elements for fly-tipping. We have had noise nuisance in the past from incursions by travellers operating generators from the depot. Light leakage and sky glow is another concern. The starlit skies over where the Milky Way is still visible is a great asset.

4. Main Road, Northington is the access route to Northington and the Candovers. The road is well used by commuters, heavy goods vehicles, low-loaders from Hassock Farm business park, delivery vans plus the Opera traffic from Northington Grange. Many people travel up to visit Micheldever Woods, a noted recreational area. The road is also well used by cyclists, hikers and runners alike. There are a number of hazards and conflicts for traffic flow around the Chippings Depot: sight lines and turning circles from the entrance are restricted. Hassock Copse is a noted frost corridor in the winter months. Potholes and damage to the haunchings of the road edges is a related issue from heavy traffic flow.

Ideally I should like to see the Northington Chippings Depot returned to coppice woodland or an agricultural use that reflects its rural landscape setting.

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