1.What is the Pyestock Horror?

2.Who is behind the campaign?

3.Who is objecting?

4.Will my objection help?

5.Key reasons to object.

6. What you can do

1.What is the Pyestock Horror?

The Pyestock Horror, our name for a proposed 24 hours x 7 days/week Distribution and Warehouse site of gigantic proportions (1,500,000 sq ft), is Planning Application 05/00238/MAJOR

The site is proposed to be known as Hartland Park and is located between Farnborough and Fleet at the old DERA site, entry off Summit Avenue (Bramshott Rd) as well as a proposed roundabout on the new Ively Road. So, it will impact local residents, Fleet Pond users and access to the M3 J4A as well as access to Church Crookham and Aldershot.

There is planned to be 1800 employees (mainly travelling from outside the area) and 600 HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) movements on a continual 24 hour basis. The consequences will be immense with not only additional traffic congestion but other impacts to the quality of life of residents and commuters in the surrounding areas (read on).

Astral Developments and Prudential Farnborough propose to clear the land, which includes Research Establishment (DERA) buildings and structures of national/international importance. They wish to then construct 37 acres of huge warehouses, over 60ft high. Trees will be felled, shrubs cleared and this part of our rural landscape will become a concrete jungle.

Each warehouse will be a distribution centre and many different companies and organisations will be involved.

The land is also known as Pyestock North and was sold by Qinetiq (DERA) for a significant profit.

Why is Hart Council even entertaining this proposal?

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2. Who is behind the campaign?

Concerned residents who realised the full extent of the plans are very anxious to let as many other people as possible appreciate just what this horror will mean to residents and commuters in the Hart, Rushmoor and surrounding areas. The group is non-political and just wants this land to be put to better more acceptable use.

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3.Who is objecting?

Residents and representatives of Hart, Rushmoor, Blackwater and Hawley have already objected.

Very few people whose lives would be severely affected knew of these proposals.

We are concerned residents wish to raise awareness amongst other residents, commuters and visitors to the Fleet Pond area. Also, those who believe our green and pleasant land should be just that and those who wish to retain their quality of life need to be concerned and must let their voices be heard.

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4.Will my objection help?

YES, Public concern is a planning consideration and the more individuals objecting the better. Each individual objection can influence the decision. Your objection will alert the planning committee that you do not want this eyesore. Time is running out but every objection is recorded and is counted. Each family member can object.

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5. Key Reasons to Object

•     Traffic: There will be 600 HGV movements and 1800 employees journeying in every day (7 days per week). This has the potential to bring the area to a standstill. The developer claims all lorries will leave via the M3 but there is no way of enforcing this.
  

•     Noise: There will be a 24hr operation and so there will be constant noise pollution which, if these enormous buildings are built beside the perimeter as planned, cannot be mitigated by landscaping. Fork lift truck movements, noisy refrigeration plant, the noise of engines and beeping as they reverse will all combine to bring daytime noise to 50dB – in excess of World Health Organisation recommended limits. At night it is proposes to allow even louder noise – up to 60dB.
  

•     Air pollution: 600 HGV movements together with 1 800 workers travelling daily will add to the air pollution. Our area is already a national hotspot for asthma. Diesel emissions when combined with sunlight will pollute the air over the surrounding area.
  

•     Light pollution: The tall structures will be floodlit for day and night operation. This means that throughout the year darkness will not fall on this vast area and its surrounds.
  

•     Construction phase noise: 110dB noise levels are likely over potentially five years of construction with little or no regulation.
  

•    Scale of the proposed development: Where there is now less than 20 acres of floor-space the developers wish to place 37 acres. This contravenes the council’s own policies.
  

•     Damage to wildlife: With sensitive areas of great importance to wildlife (such as the Fleet Pond nature reserve) in such close proximity, the large scale tree-felling proposed will cause disturbance to and loss of habitat for many varieties of flora and fauna.
  

•     Drainage: Polluted water runoff from the site will cause drainage problems and contaminate the Basingstoke Canal and Fleet Pond and its feeder streams
  

•     Eyesore: At 19 m high, the size and height of these structures are inappropriate for the surrounding area, especially when they are placed as close to the site boundaries as the developers propose.
  

•     Historical significance: The Council has an obligation to protect the setting of this centre of aeronautical excellence, where local engineers and scientists worked on Sir Frank Whittle’s jet engine. It is part of a site of national and international importance.
  

•     Loss of amenity: Fleet Pond Nature Reserve and the open spaces surrounding Pyestock form a delightful park enjoyed by thousands of families throughout the year. The peaceful walks will no longer be so tranquil. The land will also be devalued by noise, air and light pollution and the visual intrusion of the buildings themselves.

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