There are hot, cross tongues in Bakery Lane.

Dozens of people are objecting after a developer applied to build along the characterful Petersfield lane in the town centre.

The planning application is the latest attempt by property owner Heinz Naef to develop the lane. Previous applications were refused by planners.

Owners of two Petersfield businesses say the plans put their livelihoods at risk.

Christina Cousins started the Blacksmith’s Daughter florist 25 years ago. Ayhan Bozdag runs the award-winning Fez restaurant. They’re speaking to Shine Radio’s Stephen Martin.

Bakery Lane businesses like Fez could close

What does the applicant say?

We have invited the applicant onto Shine Radio to set-out the position as they see it. We haven’t heard back but that invitation remains open.

In their application they say the new proposals are much reduced in scale from the previous rejected plans.

They say the existing brick building has a number of structural defects and the flower shop is “no more than a modern shed”.

They describe their proposals to be in a similar scale to compliment the context and constructed in a traditional style.

What happens next?

You can read the planning application and comment on it on The South Downs National Park Authority planning website.

Planners must decide what to do by the 28th of November.

Bakery Lane building proposal elevation. Image copyright Re-Format. — Bakery Lane building proposal. Image copyright Re-Format.

3 Comments

Julie Street on Saturday 26 October, 2024 at 20:48

Why spoil something that doesn’t need to it will spoil the unique fell of bakery lane .but i at the end of day it’s money greedy

Janice Harwood on Sunday 16 February, 2025 at 21:53

It is a beautiful little lane with so much character harking back to old Petersfield,
Which we fell in love with over 50 years ago. The proposed building is just the opposite and totally out of place possessing no character.

Jonathan Henley on Tuesday 20 May, 2025 at 18:16

I have heard (indirectly) that Mr Naef is now appealing to the Secretary of State – but as I already raised an objection to it in January, I think the planning people should probably have informed me (and others who objected) about the renewed appeal.

Many others like me might appreciate an opportunity to update their objection!

If you wish to elaborate, or modify/withdraw your previous comments, you can do so on the Inspectorate Website at https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk , Planning Inspectorate Reference: APP/Y9507/W/25/3364652 and SDNPA Reference: SDNP/24/03947/FUL

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Julie Street on Saturday 26 October, 2024 at 20:48

Why spoil something that doesn’t need to it will spoil the unique fell of bakery lane .but i at the end of day it’s money greedy
Janice Harwood on Sunday 16 February, 2025 at 21:53

It is a beautiful little lane with so much character harking back to old Petersfield,
Which we fell in love with over 50 years ago. The proposed building is just the opposite and totally out of place possessing no character.
Jonathan Henley on Tuesday 20 May, 2025 at 18:16

I have heard (indirectly) that Mr Naef is now appealing to the Secretary of State – but as I already raised an objection to it in January, I think the planning people should probably have informed me (and others who objected) about the renewed appeal.

Many others like me might appreciate an opportunity to update their objection!

If you wish to elaborate, or modify/withdraw your previous comments, you can do so on the Inspectorate Website at https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk , Planning Inspectorate Reference: APP/Y9507/W/25/3364652 and SDNPA Reference: SDNP/24/03947/FUL

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