AN inspector's decision to dismiss the planning appeal for warehouses near junction 7 of the M3 has been welcomed.

Hampshire County Council (HCC) Councillor Stephen Reid has welcomed the inspector’s decision to dismiss the planning appeal for warehouses near junction 7 of the M3.

He is calling on the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and HCC to rise to the challenge of planning the west of Basingstoke.

He said: “Now that the inspector's decision is known, the Borough Council can get on with the job of planning the west of Basingstoke in its entirety, instead of having developers taking on one field at a time.

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“That planning needs to be done on the basis that Oakdown Farm is not the right place for warehousing. The buildings are too big for that location and have too much impact on the local community. A much better use, in my opinion, would be a science park – especially if the new hospital comes to fruition on the other side of the A30. That would be a much better gateway into the town.

“In addition, the Borough and County need to work out the traffic arrangements for the west of Basingstoke, including what is to be done about the hugely busy A30 corridor. They need to address whether there should be another crossing of the railway line for north / south traffic, and what form that should take."

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He said he understands the decision is immensely important.

He continued: “I see the inspector’s decision as immensely important. He has respected the role of the planning authority, and its job to plan for the area. Basingstoke and Hampshire need now to rise to that challenge.

“Pressure group CAGE, Dummer Parish Council and we who opposed the warehouses have shown that the arguments we presented to the public inquiry were cogent, well-informed and reflective of local opinion. We need now to be listened to, and included in the planning process to ensure that what comes out makes sense for the west of Basingstoke.”