Further protest outside Beech Hurst by Say No to Plot 90

A protest took place outside Test Valley Borough Council’s Beech Hurst offices on Friday, January 30, over proposals to develop Plot 90 at Walworth Business Park.

The demonstration was organised by Say No to Plot 90, a campaign group made up of residents from Picket Piece, who say the plans for large industrial and warehouse buildings would have a significant impact on nearby homes.

The group said the protest was also intended to raise awareness and funds to help challenge the planning application.

Among those attending were Graham and Maryrose Simpson, who live close to the proposed development site.

Mr Simpson said the planned buildings, which could reach heights of up to 18 metres, would be built just metres from his home.

He said: “The hedge where they start is about three metres from my kitchen.

"From mid-December to February, I won’t get any direct sunlight in the house. It’s as simple as that.”

He also raised concerns about traffic, particularly along the Harroway, which he said was already heavily used.

Mr Simpson warned that additional lorry movements linked to the development, including potentially 24-hour operations, would worsen congestion, noise and environmental impacts.

He said: “Our bedroom overlooks where it’s going to be built; God knows what the noise will be like.”

Mr Simpson was also critical of how the council handled the planning process, describing meetings he attended as “a bit of a sham” and claiming councillors did not fully understand the site’s proximity to homes.

Maryrose Simpson said the development could significantly reduce property values and leave residents feeling trapped.

She said: “We’ve only been there three and a half years and we don’t want to move.

“Estate agents say a lot of money could come off the value of our house, but more than that, we just want the job done properly from the council’s perspective. I don’t think that’s happened.”

Say No to Plot 90 said it would continue campaigning against the plans on behalf of the wider estate.

A Test Valley Borough Council spokesperson said: “We’re aware that around half a dozen people gathered for a short time outside the council offices in Beech Hurst again today about the extension to Walworth Business Park, which has been set aside in the Local Plan for employment use since 2006.

"Nothing has changed since we responded to a request for comment regarding a similar gathering four days ago. Whilst those that gathered didn’t seek to speak to council staff, the council can confirm that all objections and concerns of the public were considered by the committee when a decision was made on the Plot 90 planning application in September last year.

"This included a detailed report that looked into its impact on the landscape, nearby homes and the highway network. After exploring the proposal in detail, understanding the views for and against, and debating the planning issues, the committee agreed to grant permission.”