BASINGSTOKE and Deane Borough Council’s top Conservative councillors have backed the latest £132.905m capital programme for this year until 2025/26.

At the cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, February 8, members approved the draft proposal put before them, which would see an additional £73.310m added to the programme.

If plans are approved by the council, it will also see the removal of £1.015m scheme savings and developers’ contributions of £1.402m.

This would give an increase of £70.893m to the overall programme.

Cllr John Izett, cabinet member for finance and major projects, said: “The updated programme to 2025/26 is £132.905m, which includes new portfolio priority additions to the programme of £73.310m all funded from council resources

“There will be £40m of expenditure on new property developments funded by the disposal of existing property assets. The objectives will set to diversify and modify the estate and stimulate economic development and enhance sustainability.

“The programme also includes costs for the Manydown North Development to meet the costs of accelerating in delivery of infrastructure to that development. The total investment will be £25m.

“As part of a review of section 106 £1.4m has been identified not earmarked for schemes this money will be taken out for allocations for other schemes to be developed.”

As set out in the plan a maximum of £25m would be allocated to enable the council to provide funding to the Manydown North Development, which has been a hot topic with councillors and residents.

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Cllr Izett added: “This reports both the high levels of investment proposed by the council for our borough to enable us to plan long term and also the active management of our finances to enhance available capital resources.”

Recommendations were unanimously approved by all councillors.

The capital programme will be discussed at the next full council meeting on February 28.

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