PLANS for the introduction of a deer park in Odiham have been lodged by the land owner.

Richard Revell, who has owned the land for 15 years and lives in Dogmersfield, is proposing the construction of a lodge and seven large parkland houses on the edge of the site which lies between Odiham and North Warnborough.

The plans, which were submitted to Hart in August, also hope to include a new community building, cycleways, park fencing, a deer shelter and restoration of historic fishponds, along with all new landscaping and tree planting.

Hook-based chartered town planners Bell Cornwell is acting as the agent for the applicant who also proposes that the overhead electrical wires be moved underground, and a managed deer herd be kept on the land.

Graham Bell, partner of Bell Cornwell, said the application follows extensive consultation and that historic landscape experts Dr Liz Lake and John Phibbs have helped guide and prepare the application.

Mr Bell said: “We feel the owner’s vision closely accords with the agreed Vision of the Odiham and North Warnborough Neighbourhood Plan and particularly in creating attractive open spaces (the scheme will gift nearly 16 acres of open space to the parish), helping the High Street parking become more effective, helping Odiham to flourish as a place for visitors, improving footpaths, green spaces and historic attractions and also designing high quality buildings.”

Mr Bell did note the application will need to be carefully weighed up by the council in regards to any possible harm to the conservation area, a heritage asset and the public benefits to accrue from the conservation project.

He did add however that the scheme will bring “considerable benefits” to the area and will provide certainty in the long term. “We are confident that the scheme as a whole and the public benefits are all positive.

“We consider that the scheme brings considerable benefits to the area and provides certainty into the long-term for the community and the local council.”

Highlighted in the plans as positive aspects for the community include the interest and attraction of a deer park and the open space available for visitors.

Mr Bell said: “The managed deer herd from the Petworth Estate (the oldest in the country) will provide year-long interest for all parts of the local community. An all-weather path within the public open space will allow all members of the community to enjoy this area.

“Extra parking will help the High Street shops and businesses and will link with initiatives to promote tourism and recreation in the area using the canal, marina and King John Castle.

“An ‘events field’ would feed off the ‘hub’ and allow for the village to hold many types of community gatherings with facilities and amenities close by.”

As an area steeped in history, Bell Cornwell’s partner on the project added: “New historic and ecological interpretation(some via boards in key historic locations) is a feature of the application and it is hoped the local schools can be involved.”

The plans were also keen to highlight that the development will not be a complete loss of one of Odiham’s most historic areas of green space, merely a vision to bring the community closer to it.

“New woodlands are to be planted and a new public path through to the North Warnborough area will be created. Existing paths are retained,” said Mr Bell.

“The land and landscape will be managed into the long term and covenants against any further building will be prepared.

“A ‘Friends of the Deer Park’ group will create the forum to help with the implementation of the on-going maintenance regime and liaison with the parish council.”

The plans, which were validated by the district council on September 14, will now continue to be discussed with the local planning authority and Odiham Parish Council.

Mr Bell concluded: “Bell Cornwell LLP is very proud to be associated with bringing forward this vision for reviving the deer park at Odiham.

“We consider the benefits and community initiatives from the positive conservation project far outweigh any negative impacts that can be levelled against the scheme.

“We have listened to the parish and to the community feedback and reacted positively to their areas of concern. We look forward to delivering this vision with the community.”

The full plans can be viewed by visiting publicaccess.hart.gov.uk and searching reference number 16/02213/FUL.