Council leader says he wants to be "hugely ambitious" over plans for M3 development near Basingstoke.
Last updated 23rd Nov 2020
Residents, local community groups, businesses and other organisations are being urged to have their say on a draft vision for the area north of junction seven of the M3.
The consultation on the draft will run until January 2021, and council leader Cllr Ken Rhatigan has told us it's an opportunity to be "hugely ambitious" about their vision for the area.
Proposals
A number of proposals have been put forward, including it being highlighted as a potential location for a new hospital, a planning application for a distribution hub and land owners putting forward possible development sites for consideration for the Updated Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan.
Work is already underway on building new homes on sites allocated in the area in the current Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan to 2029, with planning applications approved for others.
Aiming to set out a joined up approach to the area, the vision identifies the types of infrastructure needed, for example transport improvements, facilities and utilities.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is already working with highway authorities to move forward with a 21st century public mass rapid transport system connecting the area to the town centre and bus and railway stations, along with road network improvements, cycle and walking links.
The draft vision highlights areas where investment or more detailed work would be needed, helping other local services to plan ahead in a coordinated way. It aims to put addressing climate change at the heart of future proposals.
Villages
The council says they are also recognising that this area is an important gateway to the town with nearby historic villages with their own distinctive identities, new strategic gaps around villages such as North Waltham and Dummer are proposed.
The aim of the vision is to guide early discussions, helping to set the direction for future planning policy which will emerge as the new Local Plan is developed.
Opinions
Cabinet Member for Planning Infrastructure and the Natural Environment Cllr Mark Ruffell said:
“We want to hear lots of opinions, ideas and comments to make this a shared and joined-up proactive vision for this area. There are so many parts of this, with land owners, residents, groups, other organisations and levels of government involved. We need views on the issues and opportunities for this location in our borough so we can set out our shared ambitions to get the right infrastructure and protection for existing villages and the natural environment.”
Based upon comments received and any additional technical evidence available, the vision is set to be updated for adoption by the council’s Cabinet in March 2021.
To read the draft vision document and give views see www.basingstoke.gov.uk/visionM3-j7-land