Refusal of Pets At Home store which would have created 15 jobs in Hedge End

The Pets at Home store was proposed for land at the Hedge End Retail Park, creating both full and part-time roles.

It would have sold pet products and veterinary services.

As part of the plans, the single- floor building would be built on land currently used for car parking and would be served by the existing car park. Its construction would have involved alterations to the existing car park and the loss of 94 parking spaces.

Although no representations were received during the consultation, when the plans went before the last Local Area Committee meeting a letter of representation was received from a resident.

It raised concerns including the choice of site when others are available, why there had been no road improvements around the Hedge End superstores, service access to the proposed store affecting pedestrians and the impact on existing businesses and lack of need for the proposed vets services. This meeting in June was deferred for further information.

Hedge End Parish Council also objected over loss of car parking, traffic impact and overdevelopment.

Despite this, a council officer’s report recommended permission, with numerous conditions.

Applicant CBRE Lionbrook Property Fund’s proposal was refused by members of Eastleigh Borough Council’s Hedge End, West End and Botley local area committee.

A council spokesman said the refusal had been because of general concern about the creation of additional out of centre retail floor space that goes against the Government’s town centre first strategy and that the proposed development would result in loss of parking spaces for existing units and increased traffic movements.