People in one North West Hampshire village are preparing for a fight to keep their local landscape unspoilt.
Plans have been unveiled to bring 900 new homes to Picket Piece. The proposals are being drawn up at the moment and would see the size of the village increase by nearly ten times. It would be large enough to join up with the edge of the Walworth Industrial Estate.
As part of the development, planners hope to include new shops, a primary school, doctor's surgery, mains sewerage and a gas supply.
But some local residents don't want to see their surroundings turned into another estate. Jon Newlyn currently lives on Walworth Road and explains his worries: "The whole identity of Picket Piece would be completely obliterated.
"We've moved here fairly recently and we knew there wasn't a shop or a local school. We knew there wasn't mains drainage, we knew there wasn't mains gas but we still wanted to move here so those issues that they're trying to put to us as an advantage are none of the issues anybody here has asked for."
Other concerns have been raised about traffic levels and that the land which is set aside for the building work isn't big enough for the number of properties.
However Ian Tant from planning consultants Barton Willmore says this development is necessary: "It is a big change for the village and we recognise that but Andover itself has to grow. It is a key town in the area and it is part of the pattern of development of Andover which will help to keep it the vibrant place for people to live and work for many years to come.
"What we see is the opportunity to bring some benefits for the local population amidst that substantial change."
Click play to hear Faye Marsh's full interview with Ian Tant from planning consultants Barton Willmore.
Websites have been set up by both sides of the campaign:
The other is for local residents to register their objections (click here to visit)
This is our Talking Point today. Do you think Picket Piece should be developed? What kinds of amenities should be included? You can leave your comments below.
"You can stop fretting. TVBC officers are reccomending refusal of the application."
Jon of Picket Piece says:
15:42 on Thursday 3rd December 2009
"I read with interest your article today regarding Wates Development.
Especially the part "The company say they've been taking all the comments on board, and they're particularly pleased with the response to introducing a school and community facilities."
I have spoken to people who are both for and against this project and no one has spoken up in favour of a school, this even includes a teacher whose comment was 'why do we need another school when a lot Andover's existing schools are not full'.
I assume that comments receive are publicly available, if so I would like to see these favourable comments for the school."
Dr Stranglove of Andover says:
11:29 on Wednesday 28th October 2009
"Core what a bunch of wingers, this has been in the plan for ages, it was always going to be developed.
Some of the older residents of Picket Plenty have made loads of cash selling off bits of their garden for development, what right do you have to have street lamps and pubs, when most councils are switching off street lighting and more pubs close every week.
"
Vince of Andover says:
20:01 on Thursday 22nd October 2009
"It doesnt really matter what you say it wont make any difference, Like it didnt with the football ground, the guildhall, east anton mda, shepherds spring schools. We all have to sit and wait to see what the Leader of the Council and his SHEEP want to do about it, if he hasnt already decided.
A bit like the town council, we want it but wont get it. "
your name of your location says:
22:25 on Wednesday 21st October 2009
"I'm not a twitterer. Where were you all 20 years ago when Ford Cottage could have been sensibly decided. Where were you when Picket Twenty was approved. Wind turbines and oil wells should be at Picket Piece and electric buggies for over 60's"
Peter of Andover says:
22:38 on Monday 19th October 2009
"In responce to Piket Piece resident, I agree that the whole area of Andover needs to go with the times, but untill we have a council that is for the people of Andover this will never happen, the people of Andover need someone to stand up and mean what they say and do what the people want.(that is my opinion of a Councilor)no matter what ward you represent."
Picket piece resident of picket piece says:
22:17 on Monday 19th October 2009
"Dear Peter
So where are the street lights and ammenieties?
It is not jibes, it is peoples views, I think Picket Piece is a hole and needs improving,."
Peter of Andover says:
19:50 on Monday 19th October 2009
"I thought that the talking point was to put your views forword about the current issue? It seems to me that the latter comments are more to have a dig at each other and have nothing to do with this development.(only my opinion)"
Picket Piece Resident of Picket Piece says:
18:45 on Monday 19th October 2009
"Where are the two pubs in Picket Piece?
I have not found any???
With regard to street lights, pavements etc, my view is we pay serious amounts for council tax and receive no benefits."
Manuela of Andover Hampshire says:
16:44 on Monday 19th October 2009
"Dear Mary Anne McBride, I clearly have offended you and for that I am truly sorry, I do not go out of my way to cause offence, but rather be the oil to soothe troubled waters, I cannot apologise enough, and like my father before, I believe it does not demean one to apologise, if in my attempt to get some transparency here, it has caused that. we can all discuss issues and still be British can't we? please contact me if this does not suffice...Manuela"
MA of Andover says:
13:37 on Monday 19th October 2009
"Now you can see where my comment came from 'personal jibes'...@Alan, my ONLY comment directed to you was that I do not follow politics, the rest was written in general - it is in fact you that is getting personal now!
@Manuela: I do not HIDE behind initials like MA....it is far easier to type my initial rather than 'Mary-Anne McBride from Andover' when trying to place a comment in this forum which has now left a rather bad taste in my mouth and quite frankly,I am no longer interested in this - what should have been a 'discussion'!"
Anne of Andover says:
00:58 on Monday 19th October 2009
"I was born in Andover, have lived here for well over 50 years and have had enough of the town being turned into a concrete jungle. It used to be such a lovely little friendly market town, everyone knew everyone else and now it's over populated enough, without building more houses. First, 2,500 proposed new homes on Icknield Way, disgraceful, now even more in Picket Piece. As it is, there's not enough Dr.'s and NHS dentists for the people who live here now. (Not to mention shops.) Where is it all going to end, if it ever does? I feel like a stranger in the only place I've ever known as home, but who cares? I'm just another brick in the ever growing walls."
Manuela of Andover says:
18:18 on Sunday 18th October 2009
"Thank you Alan for logging back onto this talking point, and not only noticing my reply, but being courteous enough to remark on it, too. :}
Could I ask you to note the comment placed at 23:23 on Saturday 17th October 2009?
In a jocular way I was attempting to say that my name is not ma or mb if their had been one, I would have said neither is it mc....
Like most people I too have moments when my attitude is not one that I would be comfortable projecting onto anyone.................I really and truly do with all my heart, try to see that nothing good ever comes from promoting negativity....look for the good in everything...it's not always possible perhaps when one is hurting or angry?? thoughts are living things - in that it is an energy that can bring harmony or create havoc.... why encourage havoc and bad atmospheres? oh I so do hope that you understand.... look on my web page....Manuela"
Alan Resident of Andover near Picket Piece says:
14:45 on Sunday 18th October 2009
"Manuela / Attitude of Gratitude Campaigner / Manuela A.of G. Campaigner / whydoIbother / Bums In The Air (you can see why I get confused?). If MA is not you then please accept my apologies, however it WAS the way that you both wrote that led to my confusion as you appear to share (in my opinion) very similar styles plus your multiple use of names. I have to confess that I don't recall mentioning you were MB as well though, as no MB has commented on here."
Attitude of Gratitude Campaigner. of Andover Hampshire says:
12:52 on Sunday 18th October 2009
"Good Afternoon Alan, I think you have attributed comments to me that I have not made. Let's clear up any confusion. I am not Mb or Ma or anything other Than Manuela, I do not like hiding behind silly abbreviations. I will use the catch phrase Bumsintheair... and sometimes I call myself whydoIbother.... hope that clarifies any confusion. You can usually tell who someone is by the way they speak or write.... sorry but I am Manuela not MB nor MA...."
Mary B of Andover says:
23:23 on Saturday 17th October 2009
"Those who live in the town (away from it all)can chunder away about 'how dreadful it is' and 'shame to destroy the countryside with new houses' but when push comes to shove most will be NIMBYS - (not in my back yard) so as long as they don't have the development near them, they can say after the event and say 'we did our best' 'we protested' but breathe a sigh of relief that it doesn't directly affect them. BUT this will impact on the whole of the Andover area, and the sooner planners and councillors stop hiding behind closed doors and show some honesty and backbone the quicker these planned can be put where they belong . . . in the bin."
Alan Resident of Andover near Picket Piece says:
14:17 on Saturday 17th October 2009
"Dear Manuela or MA. It is a shame that you do not follow local politics because as we have found, it affects us all. As regards your comment "Lets all understand that you have all gotten side tracked by politics, personal jibes, and just plain silliness;" this is not what I would deem an "Attitude of Gratitude" or is this a case of do as I say and not as I do? I believe I said in my comment that anything to do with this development should be completed in full transparency so that ALL concerned parties can put their views forward. Can you explain where that is not VALID and not CONSTRUCTIVE? You also say about seeing it from all angles - I do not see much in your comments about seeing from the residents of Picket Piece's point of view who will ultimately have their lives changed far more than us residents of the town."
MA of Andover says:
10:43 on Saturday 17th October 2009
"@Alan:I don't follow local politics...its exactly that...Politics! @Womble: I didn't even mention Ian Carr - what are you on about! @Picket Piece Resident: Good for you! @Jon: So if someone if 'for' this development you reckon they have an 'agenda'. Lets all understand that you have all gotten side tracked by politics, personal jibes, and just plain silliness; this is not about the politicians and who is allowing it etc etc ...think logically and objectively, and see it from all angles...then make a VALID comment as to why you think it SHOULD or SHOULDN't be...now that would be constructive!"
peter of lived in picket piece 26 years move out says:
15:26 on Thursday 15th October 2009
"May move back after housing finised from present
village near Andover. With the beter facilities
this will improve this old settlement."
Alan Resident of Andover which is still near Picket Piece says:
21:23 on Wednesday 14th October 2009
""I would like to challenge Ian Tant from consultants Barton Willmore. He says "Obviously not everybody is happy but there are a range of views being expressed and we are seeing more levels of support from some parts of the community alongside the concerns expressed by others". I think what he means Jon of Picket Piece is that the residents of Picket Piece are opposed to it however the directors in the Wates office were fully behind the idea as was anyone else that is likely to benefit from it (builders brought into the area by Wates etc)."
Alan Resident of Andover which is near Picket Piece says:
21:10 on Wednesday 14th October 2009
"Regards things being "decided in smoke filled rooms", sorry I forgot there was a smoking ban :)"
Alan Resident of Andover which is near Picket Piece says:
21:03 on Wednesday 14th October 2009
"Fair play to you Manuela for sticking up for Mr Carr, and as you say, one should be judged by their deeds and their actions. I think the problem that a lot of people have is that the councillors are supposed to represent the people - and it appears many people do not TRUST them to do this. Now whilst I am fully aware you cannot please all of the people all of the time, there seems to be numerous issues that the council do not seem to be representing the local residents. The Guildhall for example was being put out to tender to "save us money". From what I can gather, it hasn't done this and the response was "hindsight is a wonderful thing". Which leads me to the Picket Piece development. Will this be another issue pushed through and then "in hindsight" it turn out to be a mistake? If there are any plans they need to be done with FULL transparency and not decided in smoke filled rooms behind closed doors. As you said Manuela, people should be judged by their deeds and actions."
Picket Piece Resident of Picket Piece says:
10:24 on Wednesday 14th October 2009
"Dear Picket Piece Resident,
10 Years WOW! such along time to go without Street Lamps,Shop,Pub and no pavements - However have you survived... Oh maybe thats because there are pavements were needed,two Pubs within walking distance and a village hall with a Bar, Street Lamps have been put in where needed and oh their is a shop in the commercial center whitch Simon Potter's family runs.
"
Jon of Picket Piece says:
08:04 on Wednesday 14th October 2009
"In response to "Picket Piece resident", (Sorry you didn't leave your name). I always like to try and understand someones train of thought.
We have been told that people need houses but nobody is able to provide me with hard evidence to back this up. We are being told this by central government and appear to accept this. I actually been told the contrary, "Andover have met their housing requirment without the need for the Picket Piece development."
As to whether Picket Piece is a Village, maybe it is, maybe it's not, some have called it a 'Settlement', but these arguments are irrelevant, it is what it is and people have moved here because that is what they like.
Which brings me to your final point, this is the most difficult one to comprehend, you say you have lived here for 10 years, yet don't like the fact that there is no shop, no garage, no pub, no street lights and no pavement. It seems strange to decide to wait for development to come to you rather than move to a developed area?
One has to ask what your agenda is and what motivates you?"
Manuela of Andover Hampshire says:
23:50 on Tuesday 13th October 2009
"One Is Judged By One's Spoken Words, Plus Ones Written Words, And Ones Deeds And Actions.
Why Anyone Would Ever Want to Stand For Parliment Or Councils or Anything Is Beyond Me, As All They Seem To Get For Their Troubles Is Sarcastic Comments ..... And Unhelpful and Rude Jibes. I will not comment anymore on this Subject, as Clearly this has now become personal between certain members of the Public and Mr Ian Carr. I will not be party to any slanging matches between anybody and any body, this is not how British People are suppossed to Behave. Manuela."
picket piece resident of picket piece says:
22:23 on Tuesday 13th October 2009
"People need houses, Picket piece is NOT a village.
I have lived here for 10 years, no shop, no garage, no pub, no street lights, no pavement, bring it on Wates."
Womble of somewhere in the Andover Area says:
18:12 on Tuesday 13th October 2009
"In responce to MA,The Goverment have stated that you can now get money back for your old carr, so why dosen't Mr Car trade him self in and make us all happy. In my opinion What Mr Carr wants Mr Carr gets wither we like it or not, and the rest of the Council are his puppets to do his bidding. (The build will go ahead)"
Manuela of Andover Hampshire says:
17:05 on Tuesday 13th October 2009
"Dear Alan, The person's name is Mr Ian Carr, I so dislike all these digs that people give under the cloak of Anonymity. My Name is Manuela, I stand by every sentence and comment that I ever make,and so I say to everyone lets have honest debate about anything and every subject that is what these forums are for. But lets do it honestly without anymore references of digs to anyone. I'm sure that you will agree with me that this is the best way? behave with dignity? After all our elected leaders cannot come onto forums like this and start to defend themselves?
I have stood up for other people in the past,( before anyone starts giving me hassle)
"
Alan Resident of Andover says:
10:43 on Tuesday 13th October 2009
"In response to MA of Andover, how would you feel if you had decided to move somewhere with few amenities and houses because you wanted the tranquility for someone to put a high density housing estate on your door step?
People should be allowed to have a choice and not a choice forced on them. Also curious MA, is your viewpoint influenced by a certain TVBC leader? Just curious :)"
ChrisP of Picket Piece says:
20:37 on Saturday 10th October 2009
"There's quite a lot of emotion here and the view of many of the people of Picket Piece is that a sympathetic low density development such as that agreed for Picket Twenty would be appropriate when required.
At the moment, our understanding is that Andover is meeting the government targets beset it and why should yet more land be concreted over unless absolutely necessary!
SGY say's build where permission has already been granted before allocating yet more land to those only interested in the profit that high density housing will bring. If Persimmon's do not want to develop Picket Twenty, let them sell it to WATES.
Interestingly, if WATES built to the density level they are proposing at Picket Piece, they would build not 1200 homes but 4,800! HOUSING CRISIS – WHAT HOUSING CRISIS!
Housing levels at this density can only bring social discontent, and I can guarantee that WATES will be nowhere to be seen when this happens.
"
Keith of Picket Piece says:
18:25 on Saturday 10th October 2009
"I do not think the majority of people living in Picket Piece are against development per se, only this plan of Wates includes so many houses it would not be pleasant for anyone living here in future, either the existing homeowners or new arrivals. The proposed development has 4 times as many houses per acre than the Picket Twenty plans. Do we really want people to have to live an arms length from the railway line? Wates representative said it would be OK as they would make sure the windows could not be opened and they would provide mechanical ventilation - they wouldn't even be able to open a window in summer! Shame on Wates for such profiteering and the same to those that currently live in the village and are in favour of overcrowding just so they receive more money for their land."
MA of Andover says:
13:08 on Saturday 10th October 2009
"From what I can gather it seems that everyone is worried about what will happen to their backyards, views, houses, neighbours and village! Granted, they are important, and that opinion definetly counts. So what about the people that don't live there but can see other benefits....are our opinions wrong? or are they just unimportant to the people who do live there and have no way of seeing both the positives and negatives of this development. "
Against this Development of Andover says:
12:39 on Friday 9th October 2009
"In his dreams Jon in his dreams."
Jon of Picket Piece says:
12:23 on Friday 9th October 2009
"I would like to challenge Ian Tant from consultants Barton Willmore. He says "Obviously not everybody is happy but there are a range of views being expressed and we are seeing more levels of support from some parts of the community alongside the concerns expressed by others".
Taking "Talking Point" as an example I counted 7 For and 18 Against, with 3 unclear.
If he uses the Picket Piece questionnare, that has been carefully crafted so that anyone completing it cannot choose the option of not wanting the development. Alternatively, the www.savepicketpiece.co.uk registration DOES allow people to say if they are FOR or AGAINST the development!
I would like to understand exactly where he is seeing these levels of support?"
L AND D of PICKET PIECE says:
11:56 on Thursday 8th October 2009
"We would like to thank "Sandy" for all her support, and to "Paul" we would like to ask how big is your back yard as we would like to move into it if this development goes ahead. We have lived in Picket Piece for over 30 years and have seen many new houses built in "back yards" of some of the residents. Should this developement go ahead, are Wates prepared to build additional hospital/medical facitilies, leisure facilities for the growing population, also traffic improvement, as this will undoubtedly cause more traffic. Why not go to Picket Twenty where the housing development appears to have been "shelved", failing that, demolish the part of Walworth which is now a ghost estate!! We moved here because we wanted to live "in the country" surrounded by trees and grass not houses."
Why is everyone always against groth in Andover of Andover says:
11:43 on Thursday 8th October 2009
"I am all for it....it will bring more business to Andover!"
clare of andover says:
09:55 on Thursday 8th October 2009
"If Picket Piece is a village, where is the village green? It is not a village, it is a small housing developement off the Walworth Industrial Estate. The only thing the residents of Picket Piece are worried about, is social housing that they think should not be near their large overpriced houses. The commercial centre is a waste of time, the area needs a shake up! The council should not be held to ransom by greedy home owners! If these people wanted to live in a proper village they should have moved to St Mary Bourne"
Kevin Brown of Southampton says:
18:46 on Wednesday 7th October 2009
" I happened across this article and though I can't comment on whether this is good or not for Picket Piece, with comments like "Mentally Challenged" from Paul in Andover I can understand why the residents of Picket Piece may not want to be associated with the likes of people in Andover. Additionally I have driven through Picket as there is a 'rat run toward the A34 and some nice little pubs! will the developers be widening the road? because for Bikes and walkers this road will become a very dangerous route!!"
bucks of Andover says:
16:13 on Wednesday 7th October 2009
"Andover needs additional housing, it's more of the same from these do gooders, 'Not in My Back Yard'. Anyone moving into an area on the outskirts of any built up area must be mentally challenged if they don't consider that the area may one day be developed. There's one simple choice for these people, live with it out get out!
Well said Paul!
Jenny, where do I start? "the majority of us on this page are against Picket Peice being turned into another estate from a beautiful little village"
So what, then the Majority are the same fussy lot that disapprove of any change or progress within the town. People need houses fact! Also before you tell me to get your facts straight get yours straight, picket peice is not a village!
Andover is really beginning to take shape & its such a shame we have so many people that want to stump its growth & encourage development & business opportunities locally.
Also Peter, that was a very snobbish thing to say shame on you. Bet your one of those fuddy duddys I mentioned.... "
for it of ANDOVER, picket piece says:
14:21 on Wednesday 7th October 2009
"Please stop calling picket piece a village,yes it has a hall called the "village hall",but it was under threat of closure a couple of years ago for not being used by the local residents.What picket piece needs is this development, but with less housing. To be called a village it needs a general store ,it needs a school, it needs a church, it needs many things it just hasnt.St marybourne,Longparish,abbotts ann and the Hurstbournes are all villages with these.For locals to call picket piece the country side is laughable,and i suggest buying some walking boots and walk to the above villages though open country side.Picket piece is a brown field site reconised by the goverment,and like many towns around the country its population is growing so the town needs to develop to house them. "
paul of Andover says:
12:39 on Wednesday 7th October 2009
"Reading some of these comments I must comment as well. Picket Piece is nothing like a 'Village' Picket Piece is nothing more than ribbon development that has benifited from Frontal Infil over the years in accordance with the Local Plan.
Andover needs additional housing, it's more of the same from these do gooders, 'Not in My Back Yard'.
Anyone moving into an area on the outskirts of any built up area must be mentally challenged if they don't consider that the area may one day be developed.
There's one simple choice for these people, live with it out get out!
Perhaps we should have a 'back yard' for these people!
"
Against of ANDOVER says:
11:27 on Wednesday 7th October 2009
"It is a real shame that some of the people who say they are from Picket Piece Village want to change it to become ANDOVER TOWN.
I thnk they should sell up and move into town and let the others enjoy the countryside.
As for people living in houses less than 20 years old I am sure that there are certain parties who have benifited from those people buying those houses.
The land proposed currently has Horses and Cattle on them. There are Badgers, Bats,Owls and birds of Prey. From looking at the plans Finkley Down Farm is also going to be destroyed.
We have a little shop and post office on the door step. We have a village Hall or will that be renamed to COMMUNITY HALL to suit the sellout group of people.
"
for it of andover says:
21:09 on Tuesday 6th October 2009
"To those people at picket piece who are against the development,I have a reminder not that they will remember as most are living in housing that was built less than 20 years ago also on surposed green field sites. It is not a case of Andover approaching the surposed village, rather than picket piece expanding into Andover.Picket piece has never really been a village ever since the walworth ind est and nearby council estates were built less than 1/2 a mile away in the late 60,s and early 70,s for the London overflow.
The land in question for development was approved by the goverment inspector a few years ago as a prefered site,but in the wisdom of the T.V.B.C decided to opt for other areas that were later found to be totally unsuitable. Also apart from a few areas on the development site most is redundent land never used by its owners.
Ok i except that 900 houses is alot of housing on such a small area of land,but when the owners of the land were approached some 8 yrs ago it was going to be around 500.I do feel sorry for those who have recently brought housing there but they also have themselves to blame for not looking into local development or planning before buying."
Peter of Andover says:
19:21 on Tuesday 6th October 2009
"Bucks of Andover, It is Andover town centre that has to grow Not the out lying areas. and certainly not the villages,I would say quite categoricaly that if you lived in a nice area you would be against development."
Jenny of Roman Way says:
18:50 on Tuesday 6th October 2009
"Well Bucks of Andover please get your facts right....the majority of us on this page are against Picket Peice being turned into another estate from a beautiful little village. I'm sure there are many people out there who have lived in Andover for over 20 years, (me included) and who have watched while Andover has grown from a market town to what it is today, we all have our own opinions on the growth of Andover and most certainly do not need you to tell us 'get with the times', and, as for taking your advice, no thank you. If your going to be rude to people on this page then let me give YOU some advice....channel YOUR energy into having some respect for peoples' opinions."
Bucks of Andover says:
15:27 on Tuesday 6th October 2009
"Whats wrong with you people? Andover has a housing crisis, houses are going to be built? What is wrong with our Town growing? Are you all so stuck in your ways? I for one am for any investment in Andover. Maybe we can look at the town & invest in that next & stop people going to Basingstoke & other surrounding towns for shopping & night a out. I have lived in Andover for well over 20 years & our 'little market town' has come on leaps & bounds, my advice to all you complainers is to channel your energy into finding a new place to live or get with the times!"
Jenny of Roman Way says:
14:50 on Tuesday 6th October 2009
"So, these developers have just come into Andover, seen the Picket Peice site and thought 'ah yes, we'll build on that site', well thanks Wates!!! I think the villagers of Picket Peice need not only an explanation but an apology for scare mongering!!! What disgraceful behaviour!"
me of near andover says:
12:59 on Tuesday 6th October 2009
"andover is a horrible place anyway! let us fill it with concrete for the yobs to graffiti on"
Sarah of Andover says:
12:12 on Tuesday 6th October 2009
"Yes we do need more housing in Andover especially social housing as there is a major lack of that in town, but do they have to build on picket piece? at this rate Andover will have no countryside surronding it by 2015!! "
Why is everyone against growth of any sort.... of Andover says:
11:06 on Tuesday 6th October 2009
"Why is everyone always so against any sort of growth in Andover?"
Concerned of Picket Piece of Picket Piece says:
10:30 on Tuesday 6th October 2009
"The plans for Picket Piece seem strange. Let's build 900 homes and take away the park and pitches so that children are forced to use the Industrial Estate as their play ground? "
Jon of Picket Piece says:
09:17 on Tuesday 6th October 2009
"It's very interesting that Councillor Ian Carr says it's not an area they've earmarked for extra housing: "It's not a recognised site, it's not in our Core Strategy so we'll have to wait and see because there's an application to come in.
Wates Development state, in their documentation "The submitted version of the Core Strategy has been withdrawn for technical concerns (though not in relation to Picket Piece)."
This statement makes you believe that Picket Piece IS part of the Core Strategy. This is WHOLLY MISLEADING.
So which version is the truth?"
Jenny of Roman Way says:
04:47 on Tuesday 6th October 2009
"Thank you Ashley....more or less just as I thought!!"
Ashley of Picket Piece says:
21:27 on Monday 5th October 2009
"Wates have been buying land all around Andover so its not Picket Peice or as they know it Andover they are thinking of it there bank balance they are in it for the money not to help people or improve the village"
Jenny of Roman Way says:
16:26 on Monday 5th October 2009
"David of Andover - Do you actually live in Picket Peice? Do you actually feel for the people of this village? Well I do feel for them and I don't live there!! When people decided to purchase houses in Picket Peice it was for a reason, why should they have their lives turned up side down just so that developers can build yet another estate in Andover. Then there is the issue of double buggies, I'm not quite sure what you actually mean by that but even parents with buggies have to cross the road somewhere! I'm sorry I disagree with you, we do not need this development and I find that it's just excuses from the developers to say that they will be bringing mains gas, sewerage, etc. that's just a con to make us think that the development would benefit Picket Peice, like I said, these people chose to live there so leave them alone. "
Sandy of Picket Peice says:
14:36 on Monday 5th October 2009
"BACK OFF WATES... You are not wanted in Picket Piece. Go and find a Green Field Site and put your 900 house up there. There are many Farmers that are in need of selling up because of the way the farming industry has gone. Leave the villages alone... YOU’RE NOT WANTED OR NEEDED HERE."
Against this development of Cricketers Way says:
13:04 on Monday 5th October 2009
"I don't believe we should continue in destroying more and more of our surrounding villages. People have lived for many years and have moved to these areas to be away from town and built up areas. It won't be long until we become linked to Whitchurch then beyond to Basingstoke!!
There is already very little to do in this town and where will all the additional people work?? Andover will become one big estate."
David of Andover says:
11:14 on Monday 5th October 2009
"Pickett Piece is the ideal position for 900 new houses. The biggest growth industry in that area is the Wyke Down car boot sale and it makes sense that areas of population should be situated at as close a location as possible in order to avoid too many carbon footprints at the height of the season. It would also make it much easier for the huge number of double buggies to access the site without holding up traffic on Andover's major roundabouts."
Jenny of Roman Way says:
10:18 on Monday 5th October 2009
"I couldn't agree more David, it seems that Andover is far from the little market town it once was. Ok yes, I'm sure that most people agree that there needs to be development, but taking parts of Andovers' landscape away is not the answer in my reckoning. As 'against the development of Andover' so rightly says, Walworth industrial estate is an eyesore and has been for some time now, put your houses on this development and leave the village of Picket Peice alone. Before we know it Andover will be the size of Basingstoke......do all the country lovers and wildlife lovers really want this?!!!"
David Hopkins of Picket Piece says:
09:52 on Monday 5th October 2009
"It was interesting to hear the interview with the representative from Barton Willmore. He mentions "The Village" once meaning Picket Piece but for the rest of the interview he only speaks of Andover and the need for growth. That speaks volumes!"
Against this Development of Andover says:
09:46 on Monday 5th October 2009
"If anywhere in Andover should be developed, it should be the Walworth Industrial Estate,as it looks like a war zone,what with empty and Vandalised properties.The town centre is another issue, leave Picket Piece the way it is.And further where would the new residents work, as there is no work in the area for the population now."
Jenny of Roman Way says:
07:52 on Monday 5th October 2009
"How much more landscape is going to be lost to housing development in Andover....Picket Peice is a village, the people in Picket peice have probably chosen to live there because it's a village. Andover is getting choked by new housing, we had all the disruption from the Smanell Road development, now this, then there is the traffic side of things, congestion and noise. Affordable housing......depends what the word affordable really does mean!! Where are these people going to work, where are they going to shop....there isn't much in Andover town centre to tempt then now is there?! If I lived in Picket Peice then I think I would be more than a little disgruntled to think that this beautiful piece of the countryside is going to be lost to housing development."
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