Whitewater Valley Conservation Society

Blog

  • Call to Action for Bunkers Hill!

    Photo of major construction at Bunkers Hill solar farm with no sign of natural management
    Bunkers Hill solar farm

    The Whitewater Valley Conservation Society is requesting your support urgently to ensure developers of the Bunkers Hill solar farm are required to meet their obligations under the planning consent.

    Please make your comments on-line via https://publicaccess.hart.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=TF4AV4HZJLI00 by Monday 22 June!

    Enter the reference number 26/00818/AMCON and click on ‘Login’ to submit your comment.  You may need to register if you haven’t previously submitted comments on Hart planning applications.

    WVCS suggests the key themes to comment on are:

    • Require the applicant to fund an independent landscape and maintenance audit covering the whole site and the lifetime of the development that would inform a suitable amendment.  This would include what was approved, what was planted, what has failed, what has been omitted and what must now be replaced.
    • Require a detailed lifetime maintenance plan, including watering, replacement planting, grass cutting, meadow management and monitoring.
    • Require that all dead or failed trees, hedgerows and other planting are replaced within a defined seasonal timescale.
    • Ask the applicant to provide a clear written explanation of the claimed onsite constraints, feasibility issues and challenges, including why they were not identified at the original planning stage.
    • Require specific evidence and justification for the omission of woodland blocks, trees and hedgerows, particularly near Bunkers Hill Farm and Footpath 17.
    • Strengthen screening requirements for Viewpoint 5/Borough Court, reflecting the actual visual impact now visible on site rather than relying only on earlier theoretical assessments.
    • Require a separate meadow mix and wildflower management plan, including justification for planting meadow mix in flood-zone areas and how it will be established and maintained.
    • Ask the council to obtain and publish evidence of the appointed landscape contractor, maintenance schedule, defects liability arrangements and annual monitoring reports.
    • Recommend that the planning committee either refuse or defer the amendment until the applicant provides adequate evidence, replacement planting commitments and enforceable long-term maintenance obligations.

    Background

    WVCS has responded to a Section 73 amendment for planning application 21/00552/FUL at  Bunkers Hill Farm (one of the solar farms that we objected to).

    We are now seeking your support urgently to ensure that our elected Hart Councillors consider this, rather than just planning officers make decisions.

    Details of the Bunkers Hill developer’s application to amend the landscape consent can be seen through Hart’s website  https://publicaccess.hart.gov.uk/online-applications/files/598C40796AF02B6421D6CEDF967EFC1C/pdf/26_00818_AMCON-REVISED_LVIA_ADDENDUM_V3_COMBINED-1993154.pdf

    For information, the ‘Pegasus Group‘ behind the Bunkers Hill development  is also the ‘planning’ consultancy behind a proposed new village of 2,200 homes at Murrell Green on A30 between Hook and Hartley Wintney.

    Why does this matter now?

    The Bunkers Hill solar farm development has become exactly the blot on the landscape that we feared – mostly because the developer has failed in its obligations under the planning consents.  

    WVCS would like to see a more sensitive and robust amendment put forward, which would genuinely enhance the landscape and protect this environmentally sensitive area.

    It is important that Hart council sees the strength of our feeling that, if we must have such developments, developers must adhere to the planning consents and not seek to ‘play the system’ as is happening here. 

  • Riverfly surveys review

    WVCS has been advised by Wildfish to publicise and promote the unique and valuable archive which has been gained as a result of the capture of the 2017-2019 data as well as the most recent 2025 survey.

    Changes in the ecology  of any river the tend to take place gradually, apart from major pollution incidents, and since our data spans 9 years, we are able to recognise such changes and take steps to address them.

    When looking at changes, weather patterns are obviously important and even the differences between Spring and Autumn (in the latter any pollutants have a greater impact) need to be carefully considered.

    The 2017-2019 surveys , in some locations, show that the biometric reading  of  a river suffering from the following:

    • Nutrients
    • Chemicals
    • Sediments
    • Silt
    • Phosphates

    Clearly identification of source of these pollutants would help to address them.

    Survey data suggests there tends to be greater diversity working downstream from the source, which could of course be affected as the river flow increases naturally and of course where the R Hart join the Whitewater, just beyond Holdshott  Farm.

    The constant reference to the presence of American Crayfish, throughout the river, and their potentially detrimental impact, excavating the banks creating additional silt, munching through invertebrates on the river bed prompts the suggestion that Wildfish and WVCS should obtain suggestions or approval how to reduce the numbers in the river.

    Family :    Gammaridae.

    Shrimp are detritivores feeding on organic matter. Shrimp numbers may vary due to pollution. However, we should also keep in mind that numbers will naturally vary within a river, e.g. that an area of river with lots of leaf litter would naturally have more shrimp.  Larger individuals are thought to be more sensitive to pollution.  So if you do a sample and find all very small shrimp this can be suggestive of an issue.

    Comparison between 2017/9 and 2025

    The comparison between 2017-19 and 2025 surveys can be found here.

    Water Quality

    The most notable difference is an average decline in siltation pressure relative to River Census 2019-2019 data. So pressure looks to have reduced in 2025.

    Flow and phosphorus stress sees to have reduced.

    Minimal change to organic enrichment, slight increase in chemical impact.

    Invertebrate community

    On average, for both the total invertebrate and riverfly communities, diversity seems to be lower while abundance is higher in the 2025 data.

    Family level metrics support the view diversity is reduced in 2025 but suggests the “quality” (proportion of higher scoring taxa) has increased.

    But saying the river has ‘improved’ from our original survey is a little bold given we’ve only just restarted the monitoring. It’s important to capture the full picture before trend comparisons will be more representative of the actual situation.

    The comparison 2017/9 to 2025 should be reviewed by committee, although it is still very early days.

    In an email accompanying the comparison between 2025 and 2017-2019, WildFish further commented:

    Looking at the last graph (abundance), the almost disappearance of beetles, molluscs and caddisflies in the majority of sites is concerning. The “surprising” increase in the abundance of mayflies might be related to more tolerant families (like Baetidae) at the expense of more sensitive families (like Heptageniidae).

    The decrease in the abundance of molluscs, caddisflies and flies in Borough Court might be related to the increase in Signal crayfish numbers, as they predate on them. Reduced pea clam (Sphaeriidae sp) and NZ mud snail (P. antipodarum) numbers would drive the change in PSI scores – so the interpretation challenge is:

    1. Has sediment pressure reduced so we’re seeing fewer sediment tolerant molluscs, or

    2. Have signal crayfish munched the molluscs and that has driven the reduction in PSI impact score

    (or 3. a bit of both…)? 

    It’s a tricky one to untangle with these more simple comparisons!

    WVCS has asked if WildFish could provide us with updated biometric numbers expected in a chalk stream such as the Whitewater, to serve as comparison and reference.

  • Whitewater Summer party

    The Whitewater Valley Conservation Society (WVCS) is holding its Annual Whitewater drinks party at 12 noon on Sunday 31st August on the banks of the beautiful River Whitewater.

    Please do not hesitate to let us know if you would like to join us by emailing contactus@whitewatervalley.org.uk.

  • Invertebrate survey

    WVCS riverine owners hosted the latest invertebrate survey in May 2025.

    They invested 4 cheery hours conducting kick sampling on the River Whitewater, although it was a cold day.

  • Letter from the Chair

    Dear all,

    As I write to you, I am looking out on the river.  Aided in part by the gentle and dry spring, the river, along with the natural world that interconnects with it, and the flora and fauna that grow from its banks, appears to be a picture of health and wellbeing. 

    This picture is replicated at quite a few ‘oases’ along the river thanks to the hard work of both the riparian owners and the various syndicates who use the river.

    BUT, regrettably, the human pressures on the river continue to mean the river lives under a permanent existential threat.  A threat more obvious at times than others but nevertheless permanent.  

    Let us give you a few examples, which I hope will give you an understanding of the work we are undertaking and I hope you will see that, with your help, we can make a difference:-  

    Lodge Farm Warehouse – the immediate threat from this massive warehouse development on land next to the M3 has waned.  It has not disappeared, but no full application has been submitted as of today’s date.  Why?  A number of reasons, critically national political decisions and policy but no doubt impacted by the hard work of local campaign organisations, not least our own.  But this application remains a possibility, and it is conceivable that the company is regrouping in the background.  

    Holt Farm (25/00640/EIA) – At the beginning of April, Wessex Solar Energy submitted a request for a screening opinion* for a c.22 megawatt Solar Park on land to the north of the M3 on the opposing side of the railway from Hook.  The site would cover approximately 22.48 ha (approximately 55.3 acres) with the River Whitewater running from South to North through the Eastern end of the site.  The ‘public consultation’ was pitiful but was attended by the WVCS and we wait to see whether the developer submits a pre application or goes straight for a full application.

    * A Screening Opinion is where the developer can ask the council for an assessment of whether an Environmental Impact Assessment report is required prior to a full planning application

    Bunker’s Hill Farm – this solar farm development on land that runs from Hook to Mattingley is, sadly, a text book example of developer’s paying lip service to the requirements of government legislation, eg on 10% biodiversity net gain, whilst in reality doing the opposite and yet the council has waived through the developer’s requests for discharges of the various conditions placed on the development.  

    From our point of view the key conditions obviously related to the landscape management.  We have submitted a 7 page report to the council’s planning enforcement department to challenge their discharge of the conditions.  We await their response ….

    So that all sounds quite disappointing, and it is, but we can also bring you some more cheery news!

    First of all hold the date!…. the Annual Whitewater drinks will be held here at Whitewater Mill at 12 noon on Sunday, 31st August.  Invitations will be issued in June if not before.

    Following our move in becoming a charitable entity, those of us charged with running the Society are very clear that we should be using our modest funds to provide a positive impact on the river and we are building a programme of initiatives to do just that.

    The first of these initiatives is a survey we have commissioned into the health of the river.  This survey will be undertaken (in May) by leading experts from Wild Fish (formerly the Salmon & Trout Association) and we are visiting six sites that we have used previously so that we can provide a direct comparison from earlier surveys.  We are very grateful to the riparian owners for their assistance in this and, of course, we will share the report when it is available.

    We have also reached out to our ‘new’ local MP, Alex Brewer, who has a very good understanding of the importance of this rare chalkstream to her constituency and, again, we will keep you posted on our conversations.

    As we seek to develop a wider, public facing role for the charity, we have been having conversations with other groups who have an interest in the river such as groups from the Rivers Blackwater and Hart and VOW.

    In writing, and on behalf of the Society, I would like to thank YOU for all you do to support the work of the Society.  We may not be mighty in size, or particularly noisy about what we do, but we believe, with your support, we can continue to punch well above our weight and that the river, and the valley more widely, will be the beneficiaries.

    If you could find your way to continue your support again this year then that would be fantastic.

    We look forward to seeing you at the annual drinks.

    Best wishes,

    Candy Burnyeat

    Chairman, Whitewater Valley Conservation Society

  • Bunkers Hill solar farm – complaint

    Photo showing heavy construction impact of Bunkers hill solar farm and no sign of natural management
    Bunkers Hill solar farm

    The Whitewater Valley Conservation Society has submitted the attached report to the Planning Enforcement Team at Hart into concerns about the breaches of conditions relating to the above.

    In addition, we would like to express our concern that Hart District Council has not responded to a letter sent to the planning team, in February, by the landowners most effected, at Borough Court (Mr and Mrs Michael Bullen).  The landowners are deeply distressed by what they are now having to live next to and the fact that the meagre mitigation that was a condition of planning is essentially non-existent and what is there is being allowed to fail.  We found their letter attached to the planning documents.

    The planning committee was quite clear that this site would provide an enhancement to the River Whitewater and the valley.  Nothing could be further from the truth – the place has turned from a pretty, natural area with perfectly serviceable agricultural land with corridors for both wildlife and people, into a desert for flora, fauna and wildlife and visually has been described in terms that are more reminiscent of WWII.

    We look forward to receiving Hart’s response.

    29 April 2025

  • Holt Farm solar park

    Holt Farm – At the beginning of April, Wessex Solar Energy submitted a request for a screening opinion* (25/00640/EIA) for a c. 22 megawatt Solar Park on land to the north of the M3 on the opposing side of the railway from Hook.  The site would cover approximately 22.48 ha (approximately 55.3 acres) with the River Whitewater running from South to North through the Eastern end of the site. 

    In relation to the screening opinion, Hart District Council decided that an Environmental Impact Assessment was not required prior to a full planning application.

    The ‘public consultation’ was pitiful but was attended by the WVCS and we wait to see whether the developer submits a pre application or goes straight for a full application.

    * A Screening Opinion is where the developer can ask the council for an assessment of whether an Environmental Impact Assessment report is required prior to a full planning application

  • Enhancing Chalk Stream Habitats

    Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is hosting a free webinar on Enhancing Chalk Stream Habitats on Thursday 25 July 2024.

    See here to register your place!

  • The future of the Whitewater Valley Conservation Society

    The future constitution of the Whitewater Valley Conservation Society, as informed by the letter from the Chairman in advance of the Annual General Meeting of 3 December 2023, can be summarized as follows.

    Historical Context

    The Whitewater Valley Preservation Society was established in the late 1970s to combat proposals for dredging the River Whitewater for gravel. The Society has since been involved in various activities, centered around the conservation of the chalk stream and its valley.

    Constitutional Issues

    By the early 2020s, the Society’s original constitution was deemed inadequate for current needs. It was a loose association without a legal entity, which brought limited structure, minimal presence, and potential personal risk to members due to increasing regulation and compliance requirements.

    Key Reforms

    Establishment of Legal Entity: The absence of a legal entity made members jointly and severally liable for the Society’s actions. To mitigate this, the Committee sought legal advice to address the issue.

    Achieving Charitable Status: The lack of a separate legal entity also meant the Society could not attain charitable status, which had financial benefits for both the Society and its members. Establishing charitable status was seen as a means to grant the Society more substance, authority, and credibility.

    Incorporation and Charitable Status

    Following the advice from specialist solicitors, the Society formed a “Community Benefit Society” named the “Whitewater Valley Conservation Society”, which was registered with the Financial Conduct Authority. However, achieving charitable status also required confirmation from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, which was granted after two years.

    Current Status

    The transformation gained unanimous final support and approval, following a strong turnout for the vote, from the contributors at the AGM on 3 December 2023 at the Cross Barn, Odiham.

    The new Whitewater Valley Conservation Society now operates as a separate legal entity with charitable status, having its own bank account and is set to continue the work of the former Whitewater Valley Preservation Society.

    Acknowledgments

    The Society commends the efforts of and thanks the Chairman, Candy Burnyeat, Andrew Soundy for legal oversight, and Hon Treasurer Rupert Wiggin for their roles in navigating the Society to its new status.

  • Sewage spillages into the River Whitewater

    Sewage spillages into the River Whitewater

    Thames Water Holt Lane sewage discharge map
    Thames Water Holt Lane sewage discharge map

    Constructor damage to pipeline at Sainsbury’s site, North East Hook

    The Whitewater Valley Preservation Society (WVPS) expressed concerns when the development of 500 houses on a site in North East Hook, adjacent to the roundabout on the A30, was first considered by Hart District Council.

    The main reason for our concerns was the fact that the entire site sits on a slope (the West side of the river valley) which exposes the river not only to run-off from construction but, once built and sold, problems with the sewage generated by the site, given the lie of the land.

    During the construction phase, there were indeed incidents of pollution to the river, despite assurances from Hart, and now the entire sewage system is reliant upon pumping of effluent into tanks on the site when the Thames Water network cannot handle the flow.

    Whilst touring various pumping stations susceptible to sewage discharge recorded on the Thames Water sewage discharge map, WVPS committee member John Fleming, visited Holt Lane. Here it was apparent that flooding was occurring in the field next to the River Whitewater.   A Thames Water engineer informed Mr Fleming that builders on the Sainsbury’s site had damaged a sewage pipe carrying effluent to the storage tank on site. Thus putting all of the houses at risk of flooding with sewage effluent from the damaged pipeline.

    The only solution available to Thames Water was to divert many tankers to the location of the damaged pipe, to collect the effluent and transport it to the Holt Lane storage tanks.

    Holt Lane pumping station links into the system leading to Hartley Wintney treatment works, but at times of heavy rainfall, the system is overwhelmed and effluent must be stored until capacity is available.

    Since Holt Lane is known to need tankers to avoid having to discharge into the river, in these heavy rainfall conditions, the problem at Hook will inevitably lead to discharge into the Whitewater.

    WVPS Chairman, Candy Burnyeat, and Mr Fleming feel this is sufficiently important for members to be informed and to write to the new Chief Executives of Hart and the Environment Agency.

    WVPS believes there should be a full investigation into and report on the damage caused to the river, and actions proposed to alleviate the environmental impact on its chalk stream ecology.

    The working of the current system and its reliance on holding tanks, especially in view of the changing climate and therefore weather patterns, should be the subject of an urgent review. There is a need to increase the capacity of the wastewater system to Hartley Wintney, thereby removing the constant danger of effluent discharging into to River Whitewater.