THE Government has said it will not be able to reconsider the decision to build homes on the Camrose football stadium site after fans submitted a complaint claiming that the planning appeal hearing was “unfair, inaccurate and contradictory”.

As previously reported, former chairman of Basingstoke Town Football Club Rafi Razzak and his company Basron Developments Ltd lodged appeals against decisions by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s development control committee to reject plans for the site.

The proposals were to demolish the Camrose and build 85 dwellings and a 70-bedroom care home.

SEE ALSO: Fans submit complaint over 'shambolic' football stadium appeal hearing

The Camrose was the home of the football club for more than 70 years until it was evicted by Mr Razzak in 2016.

A Government planning inspector conducted an inquiry into the council’s decisions, and Mr Razzak was granted outline permission for both applications in May.

The inspector cited multiple reasons for his decision, including “significant economic and social benefits from the provision of much needed housing”.

Basingstoke Gazette: The Camrose football ground The Camrose football ground

Following the appeal outcome, the club said it would not take the decision to the High Court.

David Graham, who lives in Basingstoke, was just one of the dedicated football fans who had been tirelessly protesting to save the stadium.

He and several others fans sought the help of Basingstoke MP Maria Miller, and submitted a complaint to the Government claiming the Planning Inspectorate hearing was “unfair, inaccurate and contradictory”.

In a letter written to Mr Graham, seen by the Gazette, Ms Miller confirmed she had written to the Attorney General.

The Gazette contacted the Attorney General’s office which confirmed a complaint had been received, but it had been passed to the Levelling Up Department.

Since then protesters have received a reply and the Levelling Up Department has confirmed that the inspector's decision and the appeal as a whole will not be reconsidered on the grounds that the complaint was not made within six weeks.

In a letter seen by the Gazette MP Eddie Hughes said: “There are statutory provisions available for a local planning authority or any person(s) aggrieved by an appeal decision to challenge it in the High Court, if they believe the inspector has erred in law.

“However, a challenge needed to be lodged within six weeks of the decision date, and since this did not happen, the decision is now final and cannot be reconsidered.”

READ MORE: Water leak left pathway 'completely soaked with water and mud' for over a week

Basingstoke Gazette: The ground as it is nowThe ground as it is now

This came as a bitter disappointment to Mr Graham and his fellow protesters who have branded it as the final straw.

He added: “The Ministerial reply we received in our efforts to move the scandal to the High Court have sadly failed. As ordinary members of the public we can take this case no further.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank so many people who have helped. The Basingstoke Gazette who have been superb. The residents many of whom gave us encouragement and shared our views. The Basingstoke Town FC former players group, the 2,500 plus who signed the Gazette petitions. Finally my fellow members of our tiny group who have fought tooth and nail for justice only to come up short.

“A very sad day for the town of Basingstoke where a football ground was sacrificed on the alter of pure greed.”

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