RESIDENTS are waiting in hope for a favourable outcome as the Basingstoke council has set a date to vote on plans to build a facility for the homeless in their community.

Homeowners of Culver Road in Kings Furlong will hear the council’s decision on the 23-bedroom facility in a Development Control Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 15.

The proposals - put forward by homeless organisation Two Saints and supported by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hampshire County Council - would see 180 Culver Road knocked down and replaced with a new accommodation block.

The plan is supported by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hampshire County Council.

READ MORE: Kings Furlong residents fearful over new halfway house

Kings Furlong residents have been objecting to the plan, citing concerns about drugs and violence in a family housing area, the huge size of the building, and the anticipated drainage problems.

Residents have also created an image that shows how the area will look from the west, if the proposed development is completed.

Basingstoke Gazette: This is how the proposed site for the halfway house on Culver Road looks from west now.This is how the proposed site for the halfway house on Culver Road looks from west now.

Basingstoke Gazette: This photo shows how the Culver Road will look from the west if the development is allowed. Residents said the path climbs up approximately 3.5 metres before reaching the building, which means the top of the proposed building would be 14.4m above other buildings.This photo shows how the Culver Road will look from the west if the development is allowed. Residents said the path climbs up approximately 3.5 metres before reaching the building, which means the top of the proposed building would be 14.4m above other buildings.

The application on Basingstoke and Borough Council’s planning portal shows the proposal has so far received 167 public comments – all of them objecting to the plan.

David Orchard, one of the Culver Road residents objecting to the plan, said such a high number of objections is simply unknown for a planning application in the neighbourhood.

“This has been dragging on for ages and ages, and finally we have been told a date for the planning application,” said Dave, who is also part of a core team of residents voicing against the plan.

“We have been given four minutes to object to the proposal in the committee meeting. But as of now, seven people have registered interest in speaking. This means seven people would together get only four minutes to make their points. We are meeting with other people to formulate a plan and put our points forward.

"The opinion of everybody on the Culver Road/Cordale Road estate is solidly against the planning application, although we all agree that they should be supported - appropriately."

The residents believe they have the support of at least four councillors, but the planning officers have recommended the development should go forward.

When the plan for the development was first introduced, Steve Benson, chief executive for Two Saints, said: “Through this new supported living accommodation, we’re building homes for a brighter future. It’s designed to give homeless and vulnerable people the very best chance to get their lives back on track.

SEE ALSO: Hampshire hospitals hopeful that Covid third peak has passed

“The building has been carefully considered so we can work individually with people. As there are many reasons for homelessness, we need to work on many different solutions. The new building will allow us to create a supportive but learning environment, where residents can develop the skills they need to take the first steps back to independence."

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from your area by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.