A Basingstoke housing plan has been hailed as a future model for development.
The Deputy Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane and ward councillor for Beggarwood and Hatch Warren, Phil Heath, described the proposal as an example of how future plans should take place.
The proposal will develop land, know as Site N Kennel Farm, off Beggarwood Lane, situated at the entrance to the Kempshott Park estate.
In 2007 a planning application was submitted by developers Grainger Plc to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s development committee to build a series of office buildings.
The development proposal saw residents submitting one petition against the plans, and writing in 18 letters of objection.
The letters highlighted concerns, saying the village had no need for office development, and residents thought the development would make the land look like 'army barracks'.
The petition received 57 signatures.
Despite the objections, the site was granted planning permission in September 2008.
Councillor Heath, said: “The initial plan was very unpopular with residents who did not want any of the proposed developments.
“They said they wanted more shops, houses and a place to care for the elderly, not hundreds of uneccesary offices.
“What Grainger did, to their credit, was to turn around and listen to the residents and what they wanted which has led to where we are today.”
Following initial planning permission, the developers launched a public consultation over two-days in June this year.
A new proposal has since been drawn up which has changed plans for offices to housing.
Cllr Heath said he hopes the new plan will be submitted to the borough council before Christmas.
The amended plan proposes to build 66 houses, 20 flats, 27 assisted living homes for the elderly, a new pub and dentist.
Cllr Heath said: “People realised that they needed homes and homes for our children in the future. But people want to know when they raise objections that they were being listened too. When this happens residents can make a difference.
“This whole process is a model for how planning applications should be done in the future.”
