HOSPITAL SITE IS RETURNED TO ALLOTMENTS
PLANS to build a new wildlife hospital and education centre in Overton have been dealt a bitter blow as HART Wildlife Rescue has heard its intended development site has been returned to allotment use.
The land in Kingsclere Road, owned by De la Rue, was to be used to provide a much needed new home for the charity which was started in 1996 by Bob and June Gibbs. Following the lapse of planning permission in March 2008, an agreement in principle with the former chief executive for a 40 year lease had been confirmed. But, on making enquiries after seeing the site returned to its former use, the charity has heard that the allotment holders will be staying put.
“We have been working so hard in recent months to revise the building plans into something more achievable and were nearing submission of a revised planning application so this news is especially painful,” said trustee John Hodge.
“Clearly we not only understand, but fully support, the desire of local people to grow their own produce on the site, but it does mean we have to go back to the drawing board in terms of finding a proper base for a wildlife hospital that Hampshire needs so desperately,” he said.
“The arrival of spring has led to the existing facilities at Dellands already being full, which emphasises the need to secure a permanent and sustainable home for the future. This will not only enable the charity to meet all the wildlife demands but also expand the vitally important educational and community facets of the organisation.”
Over the past year funds have continued to grow, and the charity will shortly receive a substantial boost when a new shop in Andover opens. There is also a fantastic group of volunteers and supporters who continue to help in all aspects of HART’s operations so in many ways the charity has never been in a stronger position to succeed.
“We would be delighted to hear from anyone who knows of a potential site for our project.” John added. “Ideally we need about an acre, with electrical and water supplies available. We can consider a conversion of an existing building as an alternative. If you have any information on potential site, please contact Bob Gibbs (01256 770438 or help@hartwidlife.fsnet.co.uk ) or John Hodge (01256 771232 or hodgeriba@aol.com )
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