A CAMPAIGN group have labelled a survey as "biased" which asks residents to submit feedback about proposed plans for a distribution warehouse at Basingstoke Gateway, the land near Junction 7 of the M3.

Newlands Developments recently announced it was preparing a revised planning application for the new distribution hub, with smaller dimensions and a new occupier: supermarket chain Lidl.

As previously reported the developer has invited feedback from the community before they submit the changed application by filling out an online questionnaire or attending a public exhibition to be held at Dummer Golf Club on February 17.

SEE MORE: Have your say on proposed Lidl development plans at Junction 7 of the M3

Christine Northam is a member of the Clean Air Green Environment (CAGE) group who oppose the Basingstoke Gateway proposals plans. They have now hit back at Newlands and said “even a child could work out" that the questionnaire is biased.

Christine said: “We all strongly feel that the questionnaire is biased to get the answers that Newlands want.

“One of our supporters labelled the questionnaire as ‘pathetic’ and we believe that even a child could work it out that it is constructed to get the answers they want.

“We still feel strongly that this is not a proper consultation and we still do not want them to build a Lidl. All they have done is made it smaller and it is great that the historic trees will be saved but it will still significantly impact the countryside and it will be gone forever if plans go ahead.”

In October last year, members of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s development control committee refused Newlands’ previous application - understood to be earmarked for Amazon.

READ MORE: Council refuse plans to build a family home in rural Hampshire village

A spokesperson from Newlands Developments said: “Our revised application seeks to address some of the main concerns raised in relation to our previous application. Some of those major changes include: retaining the avenue of oak trees, reducing the floorspace by 65 per cent, cutting traffic movements by 80 per cent, reducing the building heights by 2-3 metres, and significantly increasing the amount of open, green space. We’ve also managed to reach a 23 per cent biodiversity net gain on the site.

“We’ve secured Lidl as the main occupier which, of course, already employs people in Basingstoke, and provides groceries to many more. We’d still be creating 1,300 new jobs, and bringing an annual £65 million boost to the local economy. Having revised the scheme, we are now seeking feedback from the community."

Feedback must be submitted by February 20 via the consultation website, visit: https://basingstokegateway.co.uk/.

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