PLANS to create a new business park on the western edge of Petersfield are close to becoming a reality.

Draft proposals to establish the layout and landscaping of the Buckmore Farm site have been approved by the South Downs National Park Authority.

The outline plans by Gentian include five buildings containing a total of 15 units and offering a total 4,730 square metres of employment floor space.

Access to the site between the A3, Buckmore Farm and Bell Hill Recreation Ground will come from the road leading north from the Winchester Road and Princes Road traffic lights.

The application had been opposed by the Petersfield Society as have concerns that Beckham Lane will become a rat run if the narrow road is linked to the access route.

They have also questioned the need for 15 new units given the “spare capacity” elsewhere in Petersfield.

Approval paves the way for a full application as it determines the principal of development on the site.