As Shine Radio reported in today’s Morning Report, the new owner of Lords Farm is asking planners for pre-application advice on two alternative development schemes.

Michael Ellis has asked for reaction to a light industrial and housing plan, and an alternative proposal that would see 21 homes built on the Waterworks Road site.

Lords Farm is a Sheet landmark on the corner of Long Road and Waterworks Road. It sits opposite the Adhurst Estate allotments and Petersfield Community Garden and is close to Sheet Primary School.

Plans for mixed light industrial and housing on the site

The application asserts that converting the site to mixed-use light industrial and housing use would be “an appropriate use of a previously developed site that conserves and enhances the special qualities of the National Park.

Detail from the alternative affordable housing proposal

The proposed housing in the second scheme is described by the applicant as terraced houses and flats. He says they would count as affordable homes.

Any development between Sheet and Petersfield is sensitive. Previous suggestions of building work in the area have been met with stiff opposition from local residents. They treasure what they call “the Sheet gap” of unspoiled green space between the two settlements.

You can see more information about the application on the South Downs National Park website.

Do you live in the area?

Would these plans helpfully relieve pressure on local housing within a site that already contains a mix of buildings, or would it represent an unacceptable level of development in an area rich in unspoiled countryside?

Feel free to leave your comments below or call Petersfield 01730 555 500.