Planning Baseline The key planning issues in relation to the site are that Viking Park benefits from a long standing planning policy allocation and existing permission for a mixed-use scheme comprising leisure, tourism and employment uses.
1999 Outline planning permission obtained for employment and leisure or recreation use on Viking Park
2002 Access road and infrastructure provided but site stands empty. An alternative application for housing with industrial use is made and refused
However, there has only been minimal take-up for leisure and employment use which raises issues of deliverability. Deliverability is now enshrined in planning policy and is a material consideration. Since the emergence of the wider Eco-town masterplan, where a holistic view for the regeneration of Whitehill Bordon has been considered on the basis of the planned release of MoD land, the planning context for Viking Park has changed significantly.
2006 The Woodlark Pub / restaurant acquires a site and has proved to be very successful
2008 After nine years - Viking Park still largely vacant - Bobby’s Foods is the only other business to locate here. There is no interest for employment or leisure use
2010 The Eco-town masterplan is published and includes Viking Park within its vision
The key alternative uses that could be promoted at Viking Park include retail and residential development. The site would also potentially be suited to a care home and other health-related uses, although the market for any public sector health use is unclear. There is the potential for on-site community facilities to be provided within a genuine mixed use solution for the site, subject to the financial viability of proposals.
Ultimately, the planning related strengths and weaknesses of deliverable uses need to be considered before any potential masterplan options can be derived.
Viking Park Design & Feasibility Study Consultation Report 5