Greenway Park, Buriton, Petersfield

Project Overview

Secured outline planning permission on appeal for an 80-bed hotel and cycle centre on land adjoining the Buriton interchange on the A3M to the south of Petersfield. 

The Challenge

The planning application which preceded the appeal proposed a hotel and cycle centre on an unallocated greenfield site in the countryside of the South Downs National Park. The planning application was unanimously refused by the Planning Committee of the South Downs National Park Authority in April 2024. The Refusal Notice alleged that the proposals would have a harmful impact on the natural beauty and landscape of the National Park and that the proposals were contrary to the policies of the adopted South Downs Local Plan.  

The Solution 

Following the multidisciplinary effort from our Planning, Environment and Heritage experts, the decision was emphatically overturned on appeal following a Hearing in April 2025 by the Inspector who concluded most importantly that: 

• There was a proven need for a hotel in the vicinity of Petersfield and the South Downs Way, benefitting the local tourist economy;  
• A countryside location was justified and accorded with the policies of the adopted South Downs Local Plan; 
• The site does not feature in any of the “breathtaking views” from the top of Butser Hill; 
• The development would not give rise to any appreciable change in the historic scattered pattern of development characteristic within the wider landscape; 
• The development would conserve and enhance the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the National Park, and; 
• The site’s location would minimise the need to travel by private cars and would encourage access and onward travel by sustainable means. 

The decision to overturn on appeal demonstrates that, notwithstanding the highest level of protection afforded to the landscape and scenic beauty of National Parks, permission for development can be achieved when a case is fully and properly researched, prepared and argued.  

Testimonial

Jeremy Gardiner, Senior Director of Planning at Pegasus Group commented; “I am extremely pleased to have assisted in securing this planning permission on behalf of our client, Amberleigh Projects, not least because it rewards them for their commitment and determination to realise their vision for this site. Once implemented, the new hotel and cycle centre will have positive local economic benefits for this part of the National Park, whilst conserving its natural beauty.” 

John Bell of Amberleigh House commented; “I would just like to thank the Pegasus team for their professional approach to this project and their support throughout the planning process to achieve this welcome Appeal decision.”

Other Contributors

The diverse multi-disciplinary team that acted on behalf of John Bell of Amberleigh Projects Ltd comprised Thea Osmund-Smith of Counsel, No5 Chambers; jtp architects – Marcus Adams, Cindy Dos Santos; Paul Basham Associates – Tom Fisher, Sharon Betteridge; Aegaea – Nick Darling-Drewett BSc (Hons); Hotel Solutions / Arc Consulting – LYNN THOMASON, Douglas Grant; TetraTech – Trish Holden, Kevin Wood; Barrell Tree Consultancy – Chris Allder; and Moore Barlow – Victoria Charlesson. 

*Illustrative masterplan produced by JTP architects.*