THE go-ahead has been given for an Aldi store in Petersfield.

But the way it was granted has led to angry complaints about the South Down National Park Authority’s planning process.

The authority is an unelected body and says the meeting was properly called and held.

However, at least one local resident says the process was ‘appalling’.

Its planning meetings are usually held in Midhurst, ten miles from Petersfield, but the one on June 10 was moved to Lewes in Sussex – 52.5 miles away.

That meeting was the first face-to-face one for the committee since last March, and members decided just three planning applications – one each in Petersfield, neighbouring Harting, and Lewes.

Residents’ queries about the meeting, and the authority’s responses, are below.

Why was the planning meeting held in Lewes, not in Petersfield or Midhurst?

While planning meetings are normally held at the South Downs Centre in Midhurst (pictured), there is flexibility depending on the circumstances and public interest.

On June 10 a significant housing application for 226 homes in Lewes was being considered.

Why were some residents in roads close to the proposed Aldi site not kept informed?

We notified neighbours immediately surrounding it, and there were also site notices, a newspaper notice, and Petersfield Town Council was consulted.

People in Rushes Road, for example, were consulted as their gardens immediately back on to the site.

The representations we received were not limited to people living in the immediate surrounds of the site.

Why could only six members of the public speak?

All representations are already summarised in committee reports and a limit is set to make the meetings more manageable.

But the Post can reveal national park standing orders say every authority meeting should be open to the public and press – no limits are mentioned.