Time called for pub plan check (From Daily Echo)

Decision delayed on Sainsbury's plan for Hampshire Yeoman pub in Blackfield

10:25am Thursday 11th October 2012 in News By Chris Yandell, Chief Reporter, New Forest

COUNCIL chiefs have delayed a decision on plans to turn a Hampshire pub into a convenience store.

An application to convert the Hampshire Yeoman in Hampton Lane, Blackfield, into a Sainsbury’s Local was deferred at a meeting of the district council’s planning committee yesterday.

Officers said they had received a last-minute objection from Hampshire County Council, which was worried about the safety of the vehicle access.

Proposals to turn the 55-year-old pub into a shop will create up to 25 jobs but have split the village.

Some residents support the proposal, describing the Hampshire Yeoman as an eyesore and a noise nuisance. However, others say the new store would generate extra traffic and endanger the safety of children walking to and from nearby Blackfield Primary School.

Councillors would have been recommended to approve the scheme had the debate gone ahead.

Tom Trenchard, representing Sainsbury’s, welcomed the decision to defer the application, saying it would enable the company to respond to what he described as an 11th hour objection from the county council.

He added: “Our proposal will improve the current car park, ensuring safety and ease of access for all.”