PLANNING permission to build an industrial unit in a conservation area in Upton Grey has been refused by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

The developers, JG Janaway & Sons, asked the council if they could build the commercial unit on agricultural land at Manor Farm on Monday, December 11.

The plans include four small storage units on a 'fully occupied and successful development that provides local services and employment opportunities' according to the application. 

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Located in the Upton Grey conservation area, the farm is situated 120m from two Grade II Listed buildings, Rose Cottage and Old Manor Cottage, which is listed due to the garden, designed by Gertrude Jekyll.

The site's location means that planning officers must pay 'particular attention' to the scale, height, form, and materials of proposals.

'Until a few years ago, the farmyard served an active arable farm of about 100acres', the application states, adding that the former farm buildings have since been converted to 'various commercial uses'.

Residents have objected to the plans, due to concerns that the development could increase noise and light pollution and lead to traffic congestion.

Andrew Dunkley, from Upton Grey, said the plans are a 'further example of unnecessary infill development on land which should be protected within a rural environment'.

Another, Sarah Barnes, said: "The existing commercial units have caused an unacceptable level of traffic, both cars and lorries, which are totally dangerous to pass through a rural village setting."

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Nikki Sproule agreed, adding: "Using another green field to put more industrial units and more concrete on does not go hand in hand with rural village living."

Responding to concerns from residents, the developer said: "It is not accepted that that development has given rise to highway safety or network capacity issues as alleged."

They added that the 'relatively small expansion' of the development would not make a 'material difference to the impact of the development upon other road users'.

At a borough council Development Control Committee meeting on Wednesday, October 9, councillors chose to reject the proposals with six in favour, four against and one abstaining.