CAMPAIGNERS against the planned Lowsley Farm development have spoken out in favour of proposals laid out in a new draft transport feasibility study considering a new road to bypass Liphook’s village square and connect new housing developments around the parish.

Commissioned by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC), Hampshire County Council produced the study to understand the cumulative traffic impact of new residential developments proposed within Liphook.

The district council’s planning committee voted to approve an additional 175 houses on the Lowsley Farm site, having previously agreed to defer a decision until the first draft of proposals for a new road infrastructure serving Liphook had been completed.

As revealed by The Herald last week, the Hampshire highways study offers five strategic options and gives consideration to the double mini-roundabouts in The Square, which is part of a conservation area.

District councillor Bill Mouland shared concerns of residents and said the Government Inspector for the Poultry Farm appeal has now been notified by EHDC of the decision and its approval of 175 additional dwellings and the allocated housing site as Lowsley Farm.

Mr Mouland said: “A relief road from Longmoor to Portsmouth Road makes the most sense as it could reduce traffic through The Square by up to 30 per cent. It is not inconceivable a road could now go through a national park. It happened in the Lake District where I lived several years ago.”

The councillor was also keen to continue with his quest to extend the 40mph limit on Longmoor Road all the way to the A3 slip roads, for additional safety.

Russ Ellis, who has been campaigning tirelessly for a relief road on behalf of the community, said: “We are so pleased Hampshire have recognised we have a major traffic problem. The good news is they have at last realised our heritage Square is worth more than the piece of farm land on the edge of the national park running from Longmoor to Portsmouth Road, which is totally inaccessible to the public.

“Option four is the residents’ preferred option but we are worried Taylor Wimpy will build the houses before the roads through from Longmoor to Headley Road have been agreed.”

Lowsley Farm Residents’ Association chairman Colin Osbourne, a long-term opponent of the proposed housing, said: “The rejection of the original phase two application for 175 dwellings by EHDC in January last year, highlighted the urgent need for an independent study to address the cumulative impact of traffic in The Square.

“At the planning meeting on March 31, when Easterton only offered alternative options to the layout of central junctions, it was disappointing the county council highways study was not available.

“It was, therefore, disappointing a subsequent meeting was hastily arranged for April 21 with only a draft of a feasibility study available.

“It was apparent the EHDC planners mission was to get this application approved at all costs ahead of the scheduled appeal by developers Easterton in June.

“The council’s decision to grant outline permission left the outstanding issue of the highways study to be completed. It was clear the council could not reach a decision on which of the five routes presented – without further work including surveys to enable an appraisal of engineering feasibility to allow a cost benefit analysis to be undertaken.”

Mr Osbourne added: “Furthermore, it is not unreasonable a study of this magnitude should be subject to a public consultation.

“We therefore ask that time is afforded to consider what is pivotal for Liphook and make an informed decision in the best interests of the long-term future of the community.”

Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council’s planning committee chairman, Jeanette Kirby, said there were already some carefully considered options in the parish plan.

She added that the delay in considering phase two of the Lowsley Farm application of an additional 175 houses had resulted in the loss of S106 developers’ contributions, as the new community infrastructure levy would now apply.

District councillor Angela Glass revealed developers’ contributions currently held for Bramshott and Liphook toward open space and recreation amount to around £127,000, with a further £36,000 for environmental improvements which could be used for various projects, including Radford Park.