Objections have been raised over a retrospective plan for a milk vending machine in the car park of a village hall.

John Drake, of Michelmersh Dairy Ltd, has applied for a retrospective planning application for the machine at Woodley Village Hall, School Road in Romsey.

Concerns have been raised over the lighting the machine produces and the fact that it's open for 24 hours a day. 

Romsey Town Council's planning committee decided to submit an objection at its meeting on May 11.

Cllr Mark Cooper said: “It's extremely big, very bright and very modern. It's only a stone's throw from the nearest neighbour. It's not just a milk vending machine, it also vends food. It's open 24 hours a day. 

“I propose we object on the grounds of the appearance being out of keeping and the impact on the area.”

Cllr Aidan Goddard said: “We do have to consider the younger population. You can also re-fill bottles at the machine. It does seem to be well-liked among people.”

Two nearby residents submitted comments.

Sharon and John Arney, of School Road, said: “We do suggest that the facility should be serviced avoiding the peak times of usage at the village hall. We have no objection in principle with the current application in its scale or visual impact.

“This is a residential area and we do have concerns over the possible extension of commercial activity in this location and the detrimental impact on the visual environment.”

Hampshire Chronicle: Milk vending machine

READ MORE: Lockerley man landed with bill for upgrade to Aster sewerage works

Claire Hewitt, of The Green, said: “The portable milk vending machine makes a constant humming sound which can be heard from my property.

“The milk vending machine makes a huge impact on make property from light pollution. There is a very bright light at the top of the milk vending machine that is visible from the upstairs rooms of my property. This bright light is illuminated during all hours of darkness, right through the night until dawn. 

“I believe that if the milk vending machine was relocated to the rear car park of the Hunters Inn pub at the bottom of School Road, I feel this would be a far more suitable location for this type of vending machine.”

On the application's planning statement, it said: “Michelmersh Dairy Ltd seek to regularise the situation regarding the milk vending machine installed at Woodley Village Hall car park and apply for retrospective planning consent. 

“Michelmersh Dairy Ltd contacted Woodley Village Hall committee enquiring if a milk vending machine installed in the car park belonging to the village hall would be of interest to the local community. 

“The committee, who represent the views of the local residents, welcomed the proposal and coupled with support received via the Michelmoo Facebook page for a machine to be installed at Woodley Village Hall the installation was actioned. 

“The installation is modest in scale and on balance does not impact significantly on the local environment or character of the area and the pre-existing car park offers easy access to all including wheelchair users. 

“Since the machine was installed one complaint was received regarding lighting and this was swiftly rectified by Michelmersh Dairy Ltd.”

To see more details about the plan online, search 23/00647/FULLS on Test Valley Borough Council's planning portal.