Early on the Commission realised that many proposed and actual developments at the Common's boundaries could impact on its wildlife or the natural beauty on and around its limits. The intrusive lighting from the English Provender building and a proposal by Sainsbury to construct a massive supply depot along the northern edge of New Greenham Park were early examples where the foreseen environmental impact on the Common raised concern. On investigation it transpired that the commission could not be classified as a Statutory Consultee. When the Commission became aware that the M.O.D. had sold the G.A.M.A. site (Missile silo site) to a company which planned to store historic aircraft and vehicles , it was decided to set up a committeee to monitor all planning applications that might impact on the Common.
The Committee does not meet regularly but when a particular application comes up that needs review it either meets formally or contacts by e-mail. Major reviews and objections / comments agreed to date consist of: -
a) Prologis Site
The concern here is the height of proposed buildings which obscures the valued views across to the North Hampshire Downs, lighting which will disturb nocturnal wildlife, and noise disturbing the peace of the Common days and nights. They have been causing problems with noise at night and container storage height. The noise is now minimised but they are still storing containers three high close to the fenceline. Prologis went to appeal after their planning application was rejected. The appeal was granted but no work has commenced due to current economic situation.
b) Crookham Park Hospital
A new application for a 15m security fence was submitted. The boundary was altered with the agreement of the Commission. The new fence has now been erected within the perimeter ditch boundary and is reasonably unobtrusive.
c) The G.A.M.A. site
Flying A Services have been submitting a number of applications trying to change the original Planning approval condition to limit the use of the site for vehicle storage to 10 years from date of approval (May 2008) to date of implementation. This was rejected in January 2011. They have now appealed to the Secretary of State on 28th July 2011.
d) Revision of the junction of Crookham Hill and Thornford Road
This requires land exchange and has been postponed. Since the implementation of a 8.5t. weight restriction along Crookham Hill and Thornford Road this change in junction layout appears to be unnecessary.
e) A new roundabout at the junction of Greenham Road and Pinchington Lane
This required land exchange was agreed with the Council Highways Department. Work is now complete.
f) Highway improvements along Bury's Bank Road
These were not extensive and have been implemented.
The Council Planning Department has undertaken to inform the Commission's Planning Committee of any applications that fall within 10 metres of the boundary. However members take it upon themselves to monitor applications before the Council to ensure none slip through unobserved.
The present committee members are:
Frank Huxtable
Derek Emes
Mel Gatward
Helen Williams
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