Alver Valley Country Park given green light to develop new car park, café and toilets by council

Councillors have given the thumbs up to more facilities at Alver Valley Country Park, including a new car park, toilets, a café and a washing area for dogs and muddy boots.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Sep 2018, 15:53 BST
Updated 6th Sep 2018, 15:57 BST
Alver Valley Country Park in Lee-on-the-Solent. Picture: Sarah StandingAlver Valley Country Park in Lee-on-the-Solent. Picture: Sarah Standing
Alver Valley Country Park in Lee-on-the-Solent. Picture: Sarah Standing

The plans, for the western gateway to the park, were approved by Gosport Borough Council's Community Board yesterday.

The new car park, across the access road from the present one, will have around 40 new spaces '“ needed because the new playground nearby, opened last year, has proved so popular.

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The plans also include indoor and outdoor seating areas for customers of a food and drink concession, and a drinking fountain. As well as a Changing Places fully-accessible toilet.

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The toilets and café would be housed in a single-storey building, clad in stone to provide a countryside feel. The building will need separate planning permission.

Councillor Mark Hook, is behind the development plans. 

The leader of the council said: '˜This is the next step in developing facilities for visitors to the park.

'˜I'm glad that the playground has proved so successful that we need more parking spaces.

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'˜Gosport is a very built-up area and the park is such an important 'green lung' for the community.

'˜We want to make it as accessible and attractive as possible for everyone, especially families.' 

It will be the second stage of development of the park.The first phase, which began in June 2016, with the opening of the '˜Western Car Park' and associated access paths and signage.

The following year saw the installation of a new play area which has subsequently helped to boost visitor numbers.

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The area is to be monitored by CCTV with the whole second phase development estimated to cost £700,000.

Speaking to The News before yesterday's meeting Cllr Hook said he believed that the improvement of the facilities are vital for the local community of Gosport. 

He explained: '˜Gosport is one of the most densely populated parts of the county with 72  per cent of land built on.

'˜The park provides a '˜green lung' in an otherwise urban area. It promotes healthy living in an outdoor environment. 

'˜It is about providing countryside activities in an urban area.' 

Related topics:GosportCCTV