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CONCERN OVER HOUSING PLANS Residents question proposals for 70 homes in Worting
Captain Ketch returns! See page 3
A BASINGSTOKE community has expressed concerns over plans to build 70 homes on farmland in the area. Wates Developments have submitted plans to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) to erect the houses at Worting Farm, Worting, 28 of which will be affordable units. However, residents have claimed such a development will be damaging to the surrounding area. Councillor Tony Jones, BDBC’s Labour ward member for Buckskin, said: “Overall I think this planning application would be detrimental to the local area and I would strongly recommend officers to refuse the application.” Cllr Jones believes the development “fl ies in the face” of Worting Village being protected from overdevelopment. He also said the historical significance of the site would suffer, the area being known for nearby crop marks and bronze age ringditches. Local campaigner Nigel Pierce echoes the sentiments of Cllr Jones, and emphasised the desire of some residents to maintain the “green area” of Worting. “This green space should be maintained as a conservation area and its integrity should be maintained as part of the overall plan for this area, as a significant green space,” he said.
By James Booker news@basingstokeobserver.co.uk
Both Cllr Jones and Mr Pierce are also fearful of nearby junction remodelling causing severe bottlenecking in the area, and are concerned about “inconsistencies” in the differences between affordable housing and those deemed to be privately owned. A Wates Developments spokesperson said: “On the basis of a clearly identified need for new housing in the area, Wates Developments has submitted an application for 70 homes. “We fully respect the importance of the local environment and heritage and have put forward a sympathetic scheme design that enhances the environment.” BDBC’s Planning and Development Manager, Mike Townsend, said: “Planning officers are looking at all factors, including the principle of development in this location, the impact on any surrounding development of historical significance and whether the level of development is appropriate along with other existing policies while considering the application. “It would not be appropriate to comment on an application before all this work has been completed and a decision has been made.”