PLANS to increase the size of a Hampshire country pub’s car park has met resistance from residents.

As previously reported, an application was submitted to the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) on behalf of West Meon Pub Limited to expand and reconfigure the West Meon pub’s car park.

At this point, the future of the pub remains unclear. Companies House records show that West Meon Pub Ltd was until March called Caffeine and Machine and has several of the same directors. Caffeine and Machine operates a coffee shop chain.

It is unclear if the West Meon will become a café, remain as a pub or be a hybrid. It is very close to Loomies cafe popular with motorcyclists, close to the crossroads of the A32 and A272.

The application has been met with pushback by residents.

In a written objection, Andrew Barr, of West Meon Road, East Meon, said: “The Meon Hut Public House has ample car park space to serve the intended use as a public house and there are no legitimate reasons for increasing the designated parking by 300 per cent unless another purpose is intended.”

Charlie Kinsman, of Winchester Road, West Meon, said: “The South Downs National Park is an entirely inappropriate location for a venue aimed at, and therefore attracting, super cars, trucks and motorbikes. This particular stretch of the A272 has a long history of traffic and speeding issues which not only cause significant noise disturbance for residents such as ourselves but have also cost lives.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has also objected. In a written statement to SDNPA she said: “The applicants have not provided any solid evidence to justify this development.

“The current site of the Public House, which has been closed for many months, already possesses sufficient parking provision to serve any future development. However, the A32 and A272 area already faces significant traffic challenges. Introducing a development that might contribute to an increase in traffic volumes would likely have an imbalanced impact on local residents, exacerbating issues related to both traffic and noise.”

West Meon Parish Council said it also objects on the ground that “it is believed no business is currently operating from the premises.”

The council continued: “Councillors consider that there is more than adequate parking provision already, including the adjoining grass paddock which has in the past been used for overspill parking.”

More information on the application can be found by visiting the SDNPA planning portal and searching for planning reference SDNP/23/02695/FUL.

The applicant has been approached for comment.