Basingstoke council is looking for sites that can be used to offset the effects of climate change.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has launched its call for sites which will inform an update to the local plan - a document setting out which parts of the borough can be redeveloped, including for housing.

It is the second call for sites after a first was run in 2019, and is specifically interested in ‘green sites’ such as those that can be used to offer net gain in terms of biodiversity and suitable alternative natural green space (SANGs).

Meanwhile, the authority are also looking for land that can be used for renewable energy and infrastructure, as well as carbon offsetting and capture.

The full list of uses the council is looking for includes:

  • Biodiversity Net Gain offsetting,
  • Nutrient offsetting,
  • Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANGs) provision,
  • Renewable energy and associated infrastructure,
  • Carbon offsetting (such as tree planting for carbon capture),
  • Gypsy and Traveller Pitches

The council declared a climate emergency in 2019, and earlier this year adopted a new strategy, which sees the authority aim to become carbon neutral by 2025, and the borough by 2030.

The call for sites is also requesting sites that can be used for gypsy and traveller pitches, which will help tackle “the inequalities faced by Gypsy and Travellers”.

Land owners, community groups and promoters with land fitting these requirements are encouraged to come forward. More details can be found at https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/CfS-2021.