BASINGSTOKE and Deane Borough Council is awaiting contributions for replacement pitches from the developer of the Camrose ground, it has been revealed.

The council confirmed that Rafi Razzak, former chairman of Basingstoke Town Football Club, and his company Basron Developments Ltd have not yet made contributions towards the construction of new artificial grass pitches in the borough, as mandated by Section 106 contributions.

Responding to inquiries from the Gazette about plans for new pitches, the council expressed that the funds expected from the developer have not materialised.

The council also confirmed that pitches made using the Section 106 contribution will not be provided exclusively for the use of Basingstoke Town FC.

This update follows the unfortunate circumstances faced by Basingstoke Town players in May, when they were forced to train in a public park due to the scarcity of football pitches in the borough, just prior to their Hampshire Cup final.

READ MORE: Basingstoke Town FC forced to train in public park ahead of final

Planning permission has been granted for the construction of 85 dwellings and a 70-bedroom care home on the site of the Camrose football stadium, following the inspector's approval of the developer's appeals.

Included in the appeal decision was an agreement requiring the developer to make contributions totalling £300,000 towards one or two new artificial grass pitches in the borough, or to enhance an existing artificial grass pitch.

Additionally, a sum of £100,000 was designated for the creation of new grass pitches or improvements to existing ones.

Both of these contributions must be made prior to the commencement of development at the Camrose site.

However, the council has confirmed that no payments have been received thus far, as the developer has not yet submitted a reserved matters application for the site, and that needs to be approved before work is begun. 

According to the council, no contribution is currently due under the terms of the agreement, as development cannot proceed at this time.

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A Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council spokesperson said: “The appeal decision said that the purpose of collecting the contribution was, based on Sport England’s view, for mitigation of the loss of the Camrose facility for the community, rather than for the exclusive use of the Basingstoke Town Community Football Club.

“In addition to the pitches at Winklebury football complex provided by Hampshire Football Association, the council has a number of football pitches available to hire in the borough during the football season.”

Basingstoke Town previously had their own training pitches when they played at Camrose.

However, the team currently has to book pitches in advance for both their first team and academy sides.

Although the team primarily trains at the Winklebury football complex, the high demand from numerous other teams often results in limited availability.

Rafi Razzak has been contacted for information on when he would be submitting a reserved matters application.