BUSINESSES in Horndean village centre will lose some of their trade if East Hampshire District Council sells off a car park to developers.

That’s the concern of a long-standing parish councillor as doubts remain over the long-term future of the car park, toilet block and yard off Blendworth Lane.

Dorothy Denston told Horndean Parish Council (HPC) last Monday (March 18) the loss of the car park would have a negative effect on at least one business, and could undermine the village centre’s recent revival.

She said: "I use The Village Salon and they’ve been talking to their customers and it’s true to say if that car park goes, it’s going to affect their business as it’s sometimes very difficult to park in Horndean during the day.

"The last time I went there I had to park on the industrial estate because there’s nowhere to park in the village.

"East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) will be letting down the residents of Horndean if they take away that car park and, indeed, the businesses we have. It’s been a long time since the village has looked as nice as it does at the moment."

Councillor Irene Weeks also claimed someone she knew showed an interest in renting the unit (pictured above) which is part of the site, but was denied access by EHDC.

"I know personally someone wanted to come along and view it but was told they couldn’t because of health-and-safety reasons," said Cllr Weeks during the Jubilee Hall meeting.

"If that’s the case, then how are they going to let it out?"

Plans to get an independent body to record the level of car park and toilet use were also backed by HPC during the meeting.