TALKS are being held over plans to demolish a busy commercial property in Petersfield and build houses, flats and shops – dangerously close to a petrol station, claims one objector.

South Downs National Park Authority planners are talking to linked companies about a proposal to knock down Trademark House on Ramshill and replace it with ten houses and six apartments over shops.

Around 50 people work for 11 small businesses in the distinctive building opposite Churcher’s College, and the proposal could lead to firms closing and job losses, some tenants claim.

One worker, who did not want to be named, said: “Trademark House has been virtually fully let for the past 10 years. It is stressful not knowing what our future is.

“And the potential residential development next to a petrol station could be a disaster waiting to happen.”

Tenants agree if the redevelopment goes ahead, they could be forced out of Petersfield because rents elsewhere in the town are much higher.

That could lead to job losses for local workers.

Chief executive of YES Personal Lubricants Sarah Brooks said: “As such, this could cause us serious staff and relocation issues.”

Aware of their uncertain future, the 15 to 20 strong YES team has been looking for new premises to move to.

Sarah added: “We have been looking for a combined warehouse and office in the Petersfield area for about 18 months, and found nothing.”

The redevelopment idea is being driven by Hamley Property Group.

On its website it says: “This site is a prominent commercial building in the centre of Petersfield, opposite one of the best schools in the country and surrounded by residential developments.

“We aim to create a mixed use development to bring the site in line with the building requirements of East Hampshire District Council.”

The development company shares directors with Trademark London, of the same address – the company named as the applicant on the request for private talks with the national park authority’s planners.

Visit the South Downs National Park website at www.southdowns.gov.uk/planning and key in reference SDNP/16/0076/PRE to see the relevant papers.