AN OFFICE block in Basing View could be turned into 468 flats, sparking fears that local services will not cope.

ViewPoint, opposite the Village Hotel, was put up for sale last year for almost £2m and was bought in May this year by Packaged Living and Buccleuch Property.

The company, which is a build-to-rent property developer, wants to demolish the 1.95-acre office building and replace it with 468 flats and commercial space.

Representatives from Packaged Living met with Liberal Democrat councillors from Basingstoke to talk about the plans.

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Liberal Democrat leader for Basingstoke Cllr Gavin James warned that the high number of new homes could “put a burden” on overstretched services.

Writing in the party’s leaflet distributed to residents, Cllr James, who represents Eastrop and Grove, said: “Local services such as doctors and dentists are already extremely stretched. I’m very concerned at the additional burden of so many new homes in the ward. And we would prefer developments that include homes at affordable rents.”

The Lib Dems were told that none of the homes would be for sale.

As part of the plans, Packaged Living would create 100 parking spaces, which the Lib Dems said is not enough for 468 homes.

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Cllr James said: “Liberal Democrats welcome investment in the town. Empty office blocks are not the future. We demand better local services, affordable homes and buildings of the highest environmental standards.”

Packaged Living said on its website that the development will consist of one, two and three-bedroom apartments across three blocks “providing a much-needed option to local residents”.

ViewPoint used to provide office space for a mortgage company, security group and IT solutions firm across 59,000 square feet of space, with 219 parking spaces.

In March, the borough council removed permitted development rights that allow the change of use from commercial to residential in Basing View.

The cabinet agreed to make an Article four direction which will make it harder for developers to convert offices. They must put in a formal planning application instead of relying on permitted development.

Packaged Living has been asked for a comment.