A NEW warehouse development planned at Junction 7 of the M3 could bring in excess of £150 million of investment to Basingstoke and Deane.

Basingstoke Gateway, which is being proposed at Oakdown Farm, could also deliver 1,500 new jobs at the distribution and employment hub, according to the planners.

It comes after over 165 people joined a virtual consultation last week.

The Gazette reported at the end of June that Newlands Development were looking to submit a planning application to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council this summer for the 82-acre site.

It will see 271,000 square metres of commercial and industrial floorspace, which is equivalent to the size of 38 football pitches.

READ MORE: Plans revealed for warehouses near Junction 7

Commenting on the proposals, Jo Davis, Principal at Avison Young, who have been leading the consultation process, said: "Logistics is a key area for growth and there is an identified need for logistics and distribution space in the Basingstoke & Deane area.

The developers are already in detailed discussions with local, regional and national occupiers who have requirements in the region.”

Meanwhile, John Barker, Development Director at Newlands added: “With Basingstoke Gateway there is the potential for world class business activity to be served across the local economy.

"And at this time of employment uncertainty in the wider economy, a wide range of jobs will be delivered for local residents, from entry level and unskilled; apprenticeships; through to skilled technical and managerial roles.”

More details have now been released on what the development could look like.

The developers say that the outline planning application would encompass, storage, distribution and employment space and ancillary offices developed over three zones.

They add that through the use of sustainable energy and a sustainable travel plan, the 'masterplan' will work towards the borough council's goal of achieving net zero carbon by 2030.

In terms of biodiversity measures, there will be drainage ponds, bird and bat boxes, a biodiversity zone, rainwater harvesting, renewable energy provision, and a safe cycle and pedestrian route.

Previously, it had been reported that there are four units on the site, which is bound by the A30 to the north, the M3 to the south, and Junction 7 to the south east.

The largest of the units will be 217,000 square metres, whilst the three, smaller units will incorporate warehouse, office and mezzanine space.

The existing traffic-light controlled junction between near to the motorway junction will remain unchanged, as will the crossroads close to the junction, and a new five-exit roundabout will be constructed.

As well as two exits to different arms of the warehouse site, it will also include an exit to the north west, which could hint at an extension to the site or further development there in the future - or could be used as a future access to a new hospital, with land near Junction 7 believed to be in consideration for a new site.

And there are also plans for additional landscaping on the southern side of the M3, to the west of Dummer.

The public consultation will remain open until July 25, and you can have your say at www.givemyview.com/basingstokegateway.