A BATTLE has erupted over plans to expand operations at a controversial bikers cafe. The new owner of the Loomies Moto Cafe site in the Meon Valley has applied to build workshop in four containers behind the cafe. The application to the South Downs National Park (SDNP) has sparked 90 objections with objectors fearing it will lead to an increase in use of Loomies on Alton Road and therefore a rise in noise pollution from speeding motorbikes. London-based Loperty Ltd, who bought the site near the junction of theA272 and A32 last year, say the containers will also be space for the storage of merchandise for the Loomies shop and cafe produce.
A BATTLE has erupted over plans to expand operations at a controversial bikers cafe. The new owner of the Loomies Moto Cafe site in the Meon Valley has applied to build workshop in four containers behind the cafe. The application to the South Downs National Park (SDNP) has sparked 90 objections with objectors fearing it will lead to an increase in use of Loomies on Alton Road and therefore a rise in noise pollution from speeding motorbikes. London-based Loperty Ltd, who bought the site near the junction of theA272 and A32 last year, say the containers will also be space for the storage of merchandise for the Loomies shop and cafe produce.
The progress made on Winchester Sport and Leisure Centre. Photos: Willmott Dixon THE cost of a swimming session at the new leisure centre has been labelled as totally wrong . A report submitted to cabinet shows that users will have to pay up to 40 per cent more than at River Park Leisure Centre. Juniors and disabled people will now pay £3 pound – a 33 per cent and a 40 per cent increase respectively. Seniors will no longer swim for free. Cllr Hugh Lumby said: I m sorry but increasing the price of sessions for juniors and disabled people is really disappointing – it s staggering, totally wrong.
Winchester City Council is making steady progress on its proposals with JLL as its strategic placemaking consultant. But a recent cabinet meeting heard that £503,428 has already been given to the company. Cllr Hugh Lumby said: We are taking too long to consult over this. JLL has alone gobbled up £503,428 so far. That s equivalent to 11.8 planning job posts for a whole year. And what have we had in return? Fancy slides and delays. Work carried out using this money includes, but is not exclusive to,a roadmap review, a competitive positioning study, testing proposals for the site, assessing delivery models, advice and planning with regard to bus provision and ongoing work on viability, financial analysis, planning and soft market testing to support the development proposals.