ALARM bells have started ringing after East Hampshire planners recommended approval for a controversial bid to develop part of Lynch Hill, to provide an extension to the Mill Lane trading estate in Alton.

Many feel that the proposal by Tanvale Holdings Limited would be a potentially "dangerous" access off Montecchio Way.

Residents felt that particular application was "dead in the water" after a revised plan came forward earlier this month for a reduced development on the site, with what was considered a more sensible access from Waterbrook Way (off Mill Lane).

Submitted by Jansons West London and Thames Valley Limited of Beaconsfield, this application also proposed a smaller development sitting in a much less intrusive way in the landscape.

But the relief over what was seen as a “sensible” alternative, has been short lived.

While the first application by Tanvale Holdings was turned down by East Hampshire District Council’s planning committee in February this year, on grounds that it would have “an unacceptable, adverse impact on the landscape,” with an informative note that councillors would prefer to see access from Waterbrook Road rather than Montecchio Way, it appears the concerns expressed then have gone unheard.

Despite vehement local opposition, over both the impact on the landscape and the access, the Tanvale Holdings application has returned to be debated this evening (Thursday) and, to add insult to injury, East Hampshire District Council officers are recommending approval.

So concerned is the Alton Society that Rod Eckles, chairman of the built environment group, has written to the chairman of East Hampshire District Council’s planning committee, Ingrid Thomas, to register “extreme concern” over the recommendation for approval, especially “given the applicant’s persistence in pursuing Montecchio Way as the means of access”.

The letter continues: “You will be aware of the huge weight of local concern over the likely increase in traffic congestion, and the risks to road safety on what is already a very difficult approach road into the town, especially at peak times.

“We note the applicant’s alterations to mitigate some of the impact on the street scene and local landscape, but we see nothing in these plans that even begin to address our highway concerns.

“Significantly, there is now of course a far more preferable application, seeking access from Waterbrook Road (Ref 49776/003).

“Even when viewed in isolation, another road junction on Montecchio Way, positioned so closely to both the A31 roundabout on one side, and the existing Mill Lane junction on the other, is totally unacceptable in our view, and we simply cannot understand the Highway Authority’s unwillingness to intervene.

“In any case, I am sure you will agree that it would be somewhat reckless to ignore the existence of a much more acceptable scheme – not only far more satisfactory in highway terms but considerably less damaging in its impact on Alton’s skyline, since it proposes buildings that stop well short of the highest contours of Lynch Hill.

“For the above reasons we would strongly urge you to refuse this application.”