Pondtail residents object to MORE chaos on their doorstep

Traffic upheaval AND a large building site could now blight locals and drivers at the Pondtail junction in Fleet.

London developer Aldershot Road Ltd has submitting a full planning application to bulldoze the boarded-up buildings and butcher's shop RJ Ford & Sons, and replace them with new retail units.

Six objections to the development have so far been received by the council from residents living in Velmead and Pondtail Roads.

There's no doubt the existing buildings are an eyesore, and something needs to be done, but retailers at this site have had problems making ends meet in recent years causing the former convenience store to close.

The junction is also a major travel route from Fleet to Farnborough and Aldershot.

The butcher's shop RJ Ford & Sons will be relocating from the site early next year, clearing the way for the proposed redevelopment.

The planning application also includes moving the proposed new building back from the edge of the canal to open up the space.

A spokesperson said: "The plans will also improve access to the site, significantly enhance its boundary with the canal and provide new jobs for local people."

Entrance to the building site would be from Aldershot Road.

But as reported by Fleet People, the junction there is earmarked for cycle way improvements and has only just seen workmen from South East Water complete eight months work replacing water mains all along Kings Road.

"I would like to once again apologise for the delay this scheme has suffered which was a result of the high number of other utilities within the road," said Chris Ayles, project manager for the water firm.

You can look at the Aldershot Road Ltd planning application – number 11/01662/FUL - on the council's website where you can also make a comment or lodge an objection.