THOSE against plans to build warehouses on countryside near Junction 5 of the M3 near Hook are rallying together to fight the developer.

As previously reported, Obsidian Strategic has now lodged an pre planning application with Hart District Council for 105,000m2 of commercial logistics floorspace across five warehouses to be built on countryside near Junction 5 of the M3.

The plans would see the warehouses built on Lodge Farm located between Odiham and Hook.

READ MORE: Planning application to build warehouses on Lodge Farm in Hook

Basingstoke Gazette: An image of the plans An image of the plans (Image: Hart District Council)

Pre-application documents submitted to the council gained at least 71 objections.

Now people who strongly appose plans have set up a group called Villages Oppose Warehouses.

A spokesperson for the group, Dr Sally Bonneywell, said members have many concerns about the potential plans.

They are worried about the negative impact building the 'enormous' warehouses would have including the flood risk, pollution, loss of amenity, environmental damage, and threats to adjacent conservation areas. 

Sally told the Gazette that the impact on road structure stands out as a matter that concerns everyone within a wide radius of Junction 5.

Ms Bonneywell said the group has been set up to encourage Hart residents to find out how they can fight the plans and the "severe impact" it would have on surrounding areas including Odiham, Hook and Fleet.

"It is the wrong thing in the wrong place and to fight this we can help support the parish council in saying no," she said.

The group currently has nine committee members and who hope to inform residents from North Warnborough and the surrounding areas about the plans.

A public meeting will be held on Thursday, February 29 at 7pm at the Cross Barn in Odiham to discuss this proposed development and its impact.

SEE ALSO: Hart District Council responds on warehouse plans at Lodge Farm in Hook

The group are also raising a fund in preparation for hiring consultants and other experts needed to create a strong case to present to the planning authorities.

Despite objections, Obsidian Strategic previously said it would make a “significant” improvement to the A287 “by enabling access and the free flow of traffic, as well as improved footways, pedestrian crossings, and cycle and pedestrian routes between Odiham and Hook”.

Ben Johnson, planning director at Obsidian Strategic, said: “The local economy needs new, modern logistics developments, and this is a suitable site – low-grade agricultural land by the side of the M3 motorway, right next to a major junction. The development would provide £4 million in business rates for the district to use to fund local priorities. It would also create around 2,400 jobs from entry level to management to technical specialists, and there is significant need in the area for new employment opportunities as well.

“After consulting with the public and undertaking site surveys in 2022 and 2023, we are now working on a planning application that will address local concerns.”

For more information about the group visit villagesopposewarehouses.org.