PROPOSALS to build warehouses in Dummer would “radically” change the character of the land if plans go ahead, a planning appeal inquiry has heard.

As previously reported, Newlands Development submitted a revised planning application to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) for a new distribution hub on land at Oakdown Farm in Dummer, which includes plans to build a Lidl warehouse.

In October last year, members of the borough council’s development control committee refused Newland’s previous application – understood to be earmarked for Amazon.

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In May this year members of the same committee refused Newland’s revised application. This led to the developer filing an appeal against BDBC’s decision.

The planning appeal hearing, led by planning inspectorate Stephen Wilkinson, kicked off on Tuesday, October 18.

On the first day of the hearing, which is expected to last for several days, representatives for each party gave their opening statements.

Rupert Warren, counsel for the appellant Newland’s Development said there is a need for employment developments in the borough.

He said there is no dispute between parties that there is an “unmet need” for logistics in Basingstoke with the company searching "in vain" for some years for a suitable site.

He noted that the warehouses would have an impact on the environment and surrounding areas including the village of Dummer.

He continued: "It would affect the rurality of some views, but that those parts of the scheme which would be visible would be associated with the strategic road network and the edge of Basingstoke.

 “The overall contribution that the wider setting of Dummer makes to its character and appearance in landscape and heritage terms would be affected only to a limited extent.”

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Meanwhile, George Mackenzie, counsel for Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, disagreed.

He said: “There can be no doubt whatsoever that the appeal scheme would radically change the landscape character of the site and the wider area.

"The dry-valley-slope landform would be removed and replaced by a single tall plateau, substantial retaining structures, on top of which would stand almost 1 km of contiguous modern large distribution warehouses, some 20m in height."

He said the balance of the plans in terms of harms outweighs its advantages.

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Esther Drabkin-Reiter, counsel for Dummer Parrish Council, said that plans will affect the character of the land.

She added: “The proposed development fails to respect the character and beauty of the countryside.

“The development, even on its plateau, will tower over the local landscape. Even after 15 years, the proposed trees and hedges will not be capable to reach the necessary height to fully screen the proposed development.”

Ahead of the inquiry, the Clean Air Green Environment (CAGE) group protested outside the BDBC offices.

The group was set up to oppose the Basingstoke Gateway proposals for the new distribution hub shortly after they were first revealed.

They campaigned to stop the destruction of 67 oak and three mature beech trees that currently line the road into the village of Dummer. The trees would have been destroyed if the original proposed Amazon warehouse was built.

Speaking on behalf of the group Christine Northam told the Gazette that plans would be catastrophic. 

She added: "It is catastrophic in terms of the impact on the environment and on the young families that live within the new housing within Dummer."

Over the coming days, each party will give their evidence and cross-examination each other to help the inspectorate come to his decision.

The planning inspector is expected to undertake a site visit later this week.