Plans for a major logistics centre at nearby Popham on the A303 have taken a step forward.
The 200 hectare site known as the Popham Logistics Park is planned to provide up to 3 million sq ft of employment space and around 4,500 jobs. An intention is to also include community meeting places, sports facilities, facilities for eating and drinking, and early years care.
The proposals are claimed to 'complement' the plan for up to 3000 houses that is being controversially promoted at nearby Popham Airfield.
In the recent round of consultation Cycle Whitchurch along with other partners in the Cycle Hampshire group have submitted concerns over the effects on the local road infrastructure and on the surrounding countryside. The proposals do not contain any details to support Active Travel nor of any infrastructure to support access by sustainable travel, while the increase in vehicle movements and densities, particularly HGVs is certain to place enormous pressure on our countryside.
The consultation is one where the developer is firming-up their plans prior to submitting a formal planning application hence it is essential to ensure that any proposals includes taking into account existing planning policies and strategies that protect our local area. Once an outline application is approved it can be very difficult to make additions.
The Town Council has been asked if it too has responded to the consultation.
NEXT STEPS
A planning application is expected to be submitted in January 2026.
Plans are for work to commence in early 2027.