Many of you will have noticed that access to the Hop Fields has been blocked again, this time with rather more determination. A combination of large black-plastic covered bales, stock fence, barbed wire and fallen tree trunks have been used to impede access at most of the previously used entry points. We assume that, in the light of emerging new government planning rules, this is a
precursor to a further application on behalf of Wimpey and the land owner for permission to build
on the Fields. The agreement between George Wimpey West London Ltd. and Mr. A C F Evans of Shawnigan Lake, Canada shows the enormous financial benefit for each party which would result from the development of this site. As an aside, we are not convinced that the local Agents, Ellis and Co. of Alton, are taking seriously the status of the land as an Area of Strategic Visual Importance. Black plastic seems somehow inappropriate to such a classification. We also note that, despite having the necessary equipment on site, no attempt was made to remove the rubbish left in the Dell by last year's traveller incursion. All the portable rubbish (however disgusting) was bagged and removed by local residents when the travellers left.
A number of our members have told us that they have walked through these fields, and that their children or grandchildren have played in them, over many decades. They apparently did so without any discouragement until 2002 when Wimpey bought from Mr. Evans an option to develop the fields. In light of this, the Residents' Association intend to apply, as a first step, to have a footpath recognised across the bottom (Southern) boundary of the field approximately between Wayneflete Lane and the University for the Creative Arts. Of the two main routes used by local people, this seems to us to be the most appropriate for initial consideration. If you have used this route for many years (particularly prior to 2002), or if you know anyone who has, please contact us or phone Dennis Banks on 01252-718923. We can provide you with the forms needed to pursue our application and give you help, if needed, in filling them in.
This web site is devoted to the interests of the residents of North West Farnham, an area extending (for the purposes of the Association) to the North from the Alton Road up to the Odiham Road, and to the West from Folly Hill as far as Dippenhall. Membership is open to everyone who lives in this area, and currently costs £2 per household per annum. Click Here to join.
You can either email the Chairman, or you can use the web form on the Contact Us page by clicking the link above. If you have any problem using this site please email our Support Department.
Please note that if your email is thought to be of general interest to the members of the Association it may be reproduced on this site. By sending an email you accept this possibility.
| Chairman | Dr Penny Marriott |
| Treasurer | Mr Barry Edwards |
| Secretary | Mrs Harriet Ellis |
| Committee |
Mr Dennis Banks Mr David King Mr Graham Leach Mr Keith Miller Mr Tony Ostime |