A DISCUSSION on the future of housing in Basingstoke was held recently, with an introduction from the area’s MP.

Archaeology experts from MOLA hosted a panel discussion with influential developers, consultants and house builders at their Basingstoke base on May 10 to debate issues around the housing crisis.

The context of the debate was that there is pressure being put on areas like Basingstoke to develop housing quickly and affordably to meet demand. The panel addressed the question: How can the development sector and those regulating it tackle these issues?

The debate took place at the MOLA offices in Basingstoke and was chaired by MOLA’s CEO Janet Miller, with an introduction from Maria Miller, MP for Basingstoke.

Maria Miller said: “It was wonderful to attend the event at MOLA based in Basingstoke and hear their vision for heritage being an integral part in the development of communities. I very much look forward to seeing how the charity can work with developers and the community here in Basingstoke and other parts of Hampshire.”

The panel was made up of five members: Robert Smith (partner, Carter Jonas), Nick Harper (partner, Huntstowe Land), Phillip Villars (managing director, Indigo Planning), Dr Carole Fry (director, AHC Consultants) and Nicholle Phillips (director – Strategic Land West).

MOLA CEO, Janet Miller, said: “As archaeologists, we see patterns of continuity and change in housing both past and present so it’s exciting to be able to bring together a panel of experts to talk about housing issues today and about how we plan for and design houses of the future.”