MILL SPRINGS WHITCHURCH – Effect on Countryside access
The tranquil single track Nun’s Walk country lane is one of the most popular routes for cyclists who as individuals, families and groups use it to access the lovely countryside and the valley of the River Test south west of Whitchurch. It is at threat of being overrun with motor vehicles, increasing danger for all, and destroying the tranquility of a beautiful area of our countryside.
Nun’s Walk – a narrow, pleasant green lane
The narrow rural lane is a direct access to Sustrans National Cycle Route NCN246, was part of the Jubilee Cycle Trail introduced this year and is regularly used by both cycle events and cycling groups to visit the town bringing trade and custom.
It is also a popular walking link to local footpaths joining with the Test Way and towards Longparish and used by local farm vehicles.
The new cycle route to Nun’s Walk
Safe access under threat
The importance of this single track road was recognised by this year’s welcome construction of a new cycle path link by Hampshire County Council to make access safer for walking and cycling between Whitchurch and the River Test and surrounding area.
Improvements were also made to ease access through the dangerous A34 slip roads. was that superfluous? The safety implications at the Tufton junction are now very concerning as many more vehicles will be turning into Nun’s Walk towards Tufton/Hurstbourne Priors/Longparish. The potential for serious collisions has multiplied massively.
200+ houses
Yet that safety is now under serious threat of being compromised by a proposal to build a further 200+ houses and associated facilities at Mill Springs on the southern edge of Whitchurch, right where that new cycle route starts.
A Dangerous Rat Run
Approval of this application would encourage Nun’s Walk and Tufton to become a drivers’ rat run through to Andover and the B3400.
It would become the shortest route and reduce the distance by nearly a mile as Mill Springs homeowners will be seeking avoid the already heavily congested and restricted Whitchurch town centre.
There are no plans in the application deal with the traffic generation on this narrow rural lane.
- To the motorist using Nun’s Walk would be a no-brainer – shorter, cheaper on fuel, faster, with no school runs, HGVs, refuse collections, supermarket lorries or buses to contend with. And it misses the notorious Micheldever Road junction and the clogged roundabout.
- To those cycling, walking, riding horses or who live and work in the countryside, it will mean suffering increased danger, pollution, speeding drivers, noise and road damage.
Single track lane
Increased traffic
In addition, a new medical facility is also proposed on the land which will also encourage use of Nun’s Walk from the surrounding areas, further increasing pressure on this narrow green lane. Meanwhile villages such as Longparish are also likely to affected as drivers use it as a shortcut to access the A303 to avoid the Bullington interchange.
Local Council representations
Longparish and Hurstbourne views:
It is notable and pleasing that both Longparish and Hurstbourne Priors Parish Councils have lodged official objections both citing the effect the detrimental proposals would have on Nun’s Walk.
Whitchurch views:
Whitchurch Town Council‘s Development Committee took a decision not to object although it is not a preferred site in the local Neighbourhood Plan. This Plan which was adopted by a 93% in favour Referendum also supports ‘Access to the River Test’ which Nun’s Walk provides so this view is bewildering.
However there is still the opportunity to raise these issues with the planners as the ultimate decisions are made by Basingstoke and Deane.
Do we want Nun’s Walk and this access to the Test to be overrun by traffic?
PLEASE OBJECT
The application (ref: 22/03219/FUL) can be seen here and comments should be registered with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council:
https://planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=RM5MFRCR0AQ00&activeTab=summary
Next stage
The planning application now rests with Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council.
This proposal in its current form will adversely affect the safety, enjoyment and biodiversity of a large area of beautiful sensitive Hampshire countryside.
Let them know how you feel and let’s hope they make the right decision – and reject this application.
Increased traffic
In addition, a new medical facility is also proposed on the land which will also encourage use of Nun’s Walk from the surrounding areas, further increasing pressure on this narrow green lane. Meanwhile villages such as Longparish are also likely to affected as drivers use it as a shortcut to access the A303 to avoid the Bullington interchange.
Local Council representations
Longparish and Hurstbourne views:
It is notable and pleasing that both Longparish and Hurstbourne Priors Parish Councils have lodged official objections both citing the effect the detrimental proposals would have on Nun’s Walk.
Whitchurch views:
Whitchurch Town Council‘s Development Committee took a decision not to object although it is not a preferred site in the local Neighbourhood Plan. This Plan which was adopted by a 93% in favour Referendum also supports ‘Access to the River Test’ which Nun’s Walk provides so this view is bewildering.
However there is still the opportunity to raise these issues with the planners as the ultimate decisions are made by Basingstoke and Deane.
Do we want Nun’s Walk and this access to the Test to be overrun by traffic?
PLEASE OBJECT
The application (ref: 22/03219/FUL) can be seen here and comments should be registered with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council:
https://planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=RM5MFRCR0AQ00&activeTab=summary
Next stage
The planning application now rests with Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council.
This proposal in its current form will adversely affect the safety, enjoyment and biodiversity of a large area of beautiful sensitive Hampshire countryside.
Let them know how you feel and let’s hope they make the right decision – and reject this application.
The River Test, off Nun’s Walk