PLANNERS have been asked whether a popular shopping arcade in Petersfield could be demolished and flats built instead, the Post has learnt.

East Hampshire District Council and South Downs National Park Authority are responding to an inquiry regarding the Folly Market arcade in College Street.

Planners have been asked whether it would be possible to demolish the arcade and build eight flats on the land, leaving the Folly Wine Bar and its upstairs bistro intact.

The pre-application request, says the council, is for information which could help decide whether to take the idea any further.

The council said: “We are working to put together a response to a recent pre-application information request.”

Such requests are normally confidential, but this one came to light through human error, says the district council.

The details were sent by mistake to Petersfield Town Council for the agenda of its planning meeting of yesterday (Tuesday).

One item read: “Pre Application Notification: Demolition of Folly Market (retaining The Folly Wine bar and Bistro) and development of eight flats, incorporating adjoining former dwelling house – meeting required.”

The agenda was emailed to town, district and county councillors, Petersfield Society members, and news outlets, including the Post.

When the error was discovered, e-mail recipients were advised that the Folly Market item wasn’t for “general knowledge”.

The Folly Market building is owned by a company of which John Day, formerly of Petersfield but now a resident of the Isle of Man, is director.

The entire building is leased to Jerry Hicks, who runs the Folly Wine Bar, and the bistro above it.

Mr Hicks has about two years left on his current lease, and was clearly surprised when he was told about the public agenda item.

One arcade tenant, who was also surprised by the news, said traders didn’t know anything about the proposal.

If a planning application is considered, the Post understands it is likely to be submitted after Mr Hicks’ lease expires.

The arcade opened in 1978 in the former workshop of the Britnell and Crawter car showroom and garage, and comprises a number of independent businesses.