COUNCILLORS and protesters have shared their concern after a developer revealed revised plans for the Basingstoke Gateway at the controversial Oakdown Farm site in Dummer despite its two previous applications being rejected.
As previously reported, Newlands Developments has revealed plans for the distribution hub on the land next to Junction 7 on the M3 after its previous scheme was thrown out by a planning inspector in December last year.
The updated proposals include eight units providing 920,000 sq ft of floor space, a reduction of over 80,000 sq ft from the previous plan and a proposed new roundabout that will be reduced in size.
John Barker, senior development director at Newlands, told the Gazette he hopes residents will back these plans because there would be a "15 per cent reduction" in the size of the development and it has been put together with a "truly landscape-led approach".
READ MORE: Newlands Development: New proposal for Oakdown Farm revealed
Hampshire County Council's Stephen Reid who has publicly opposed the developer's previous plans shared his concern about the site.
Cllr Reid added: “I think that the site which has also been suggested could be used for a new hospital would be better suited to be a science park rather than giant warehouses.”
He said he thinks a science park would attract better jobs and be more suited to Basingstoke's needs.
“A science park would create a better gateway into Basingstoke,” he added.
Meanwhile the Chairman of Dummer Parish Council, Cllr Julian Greenwood Jones said: "We are concerned that there is a new application and the impact it will have on the South Manydown development and the new hospital if that ever comes about."
He said that representatives of the parish council will attend one of the consultation sessions and examine the proposals in detail.
Borough councillor Diane Taylor said: "It is just another warehouse proposal" with all the "disadvantages in terms of traffic, land-use and landscape" that previous applications brought.
She added: "Oakdown Farm is a key site, situated at the gateway to our town, and almost certain to be opposite our new hospital. What a waste of such a prime location to build warehouses there when it could become a centre for science-based industries or facilities that would complement the hospital and bring the kind of employment that our residents need.”
The Clean Air Green Environment (CAGE) group was set up to oppose the Basingstoke Gateway proposals for the new distribution hub shortly after they were first revealed.
They campaigned to stop the destruction of 67 oak and three mature beech trees that currently line the road into Dummer. The trees would have been destroyed if the original proposed Amazon warehouse had been built.
They have now reacted to the new proposals.
SEE ALSO: Newlands Development: New proposal for Oakdown Farm
Christine Northam, a spokesperson for the group, said: “Our experience tells us that we need to look at these proposals in detail and understand them before we can make any further comments.
“We are still here and want to carry on informing residents about what is going on and encourage them to get involved.”
Two public consultations will take place on Wednesday, November 15 from 3pm to 8pm at Basingstoke Golf Club and Saturday, November 18 from 10am to 2pm at St Michael’s Church, Church Street, in the town centre.
Feedback can also be submitted online at basingstokegateway.co.uk.
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