Protest over the proposed development of Samson's Gym (aka The Old Dairy) on Chamberlayne / Derby Road in Eastleigh.

Although no plans have been confirmed, the indicative plans for 'The Parlour' suggest:

• No provision for onsite parking
• Three storey building, comprising of 19 flats and 35% social housing

We are greatly encouraged by, and support the bid to have the gym and the attached shop to be listed by Historic England. These are the last two Eastleigh Cooperative Society buildings standing in Eastleigh; the Hygienic Dairy and Coop Shop.

However, if that bid fails, the local residents are asking the council to rethink their plan - to incorporate parking in the design - due to the issues already experienced by residents with parking in the local vicinity. Many local residents are currently unable to park on their own road and lack of onsite parking will hugely exacerbate the existing problem. 

Local residents are asking the council to rethink their plan - to make the building two storeys and to adopt an approach where a new build would blend in with the hundred-year-old houses that would surround it. 

Local residents are asking for guarantees that Chamberlayne Road would remain a cul-de-sac and that the trees be retained to preserve the character of the local community. The cul-de-sac nature of this section of the road has created a close local community which provides support network. Recent events have shown how important local connections are at preventing social isolation.