• We are delighted that Alton Town Council has made the following incisive comments to EHDC in response to the Developer's request for comment on their suggested Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which we wholeheartedly support. https://bit.ly/ATCResponsetoEIA
• The Outline Planning Application is expected 'later this year' according to Harrow Estates

Alton Town Council discussed this EIA application on 19 March and wishes to make the
following comments. In summary, town councillors felt that the proposed EIA is not sufficient
for the reasons set out below.

1. The proposal is one of the largest in East Hampshire – in effect, a new village.

2. The assumption appears to be for residents to rely on walking long distances or nonexistent
public transport. In practice, it is intended to be car-dependent because it is
isolated from facilities. This is unrealistic. A comprehensive, deep study of modes of
transport is critical, including how the roads are currently used and by which types of
vehicles and at what times.

3. The roads are already stretched to capacity and in poor condition. They are not adequate
to manage the resultant new demand. Improving the quality of the existing roads and
other infrastructure, must be a precondition of any development, including direct
access from the A31.

4. The noise, light, vibration and air quality impacts of construction are not compatible with
its rural setting.

5. The mental health impacts on the existing community caused by construction, noise
and vibration will be substantial for many years.

6. There are various community uses along Chawton Park Road, involving vulnerable young
and older residents, which will be adversely affected by the idling and slow-moving
vehicles. The applicant appears to have “scoped out” air quality and odour, whereas –
for the above reasons – it must be “scoped in”.

7. The direct impact on ancient woodland and its dependent wildlife will be substantial.
The EIA must include the environmental impacts of creating an urban extension from
what is currently a rural setting.

8. It is inconceivable that the application states that flood risk and hydrology are “scoped
out” of the EIA. This area is highly susceptible to flood risk. Groundwater, keeping
pollution out of water courses, sustainable urban drainage systems, maintaining water
neutrality and the impact on rivers and water quality must all be considered thoroughly
with clear and robust mitigations.

9. The size of the proposed development will require an upgrade in sewerage capacity, and
clear, strong conditions must be included if the proposed application commences, with
infrastructure in place as a Grampian condition.

10. There are concerns about the devastating impacts on archaeology, architectural and
cultural heritage, landscape and visual impact, which must be clearly and thoroughly
understood and mitigated, noting the landscape value that has historically been placed
on this setting.

11. The loss of local natural resources must be assessed and considered in the planning
balance. The site is grazed by sheep and deer, and the impacts must be understood.

12. The cumulative impact on the environment of this with other nearby sites (both already
developed and proposed) should be included; the site must not be looked at in isolation.

The proposed methodology is not sufficient, and the council wishes the above points to be
taken into account.

That's all for now!

Thanks as ever for your support!

Say NO to Chawton Park Farm Campaign