A GOVERNMENT minister visited Basingstoke last Friday to hear about infrastructure plans for the town.

Brandon Lewis, minister of state for housing and planning, met Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council leader Councillor Clive Sanders and chief executive Mel Barrett, along with North West Hampshire MP Kit Malthouse to discuss forward planning to the south and west of Basingstoke.

The visit came after the Department for Communities and Local Government announced £850,000 funding in March to ensure that the right infrastructure is planned for Manydown and other new homes proposed for the town.

The borough council was given the cash with its joint partners Hampshire County Council and the local enterprise partnership Enterprise M3 to fund technical studies focusing on enabling provision for affordable homes, new transport improvements, good schools, jobs and community amenities on the south western side of Basingstoke.

Plans to build 3,400 new homes at Manydown, up to 2029, are in the borough council’s Local Plan, which is currently being examined.

The plan also includes 1,000 homes at Basingstoke Golf Club, 750 at Hounsome Fields and 310 at Kennel Farm.

The Government funding will support studies needed for the planning of new communities to the west of Basingstoke beyond the current local plan period to 2029, to ensure that there is a clear vision for the next generation of borough residents.

Mr Lewis said: “Local Plans provide the best mechanism for deciding where development should and shouldn’t go. They ensure land is put to good use, whether that is to deliver homes and help aspiring homeowners achieve their dream or protecting valued areas.

“Whilst I cannot comment on its examination, I have been very impressed with the positive measures that Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council have put in place to develop their Local Plan and make sure that the right infrastructure for new homes is brought forward, reflecting the needs of local residents.”

Cllr Sanders said: “We know that the borough needs to grow to meet our local housing needs and keep the local economy thriving, with good jobs for our children and their children.

"For us the key thing is ensuring we are creating somewhere where people would want to live. We want good schools, lifelong education opportunities, GPs surgeries, local shops, community facilities, parks and green spaces – just as important for the people already living in the surrounding areas as well as those that will live there in the future. That is why the right infrastructure that will respect and contribute to the lives of people in adjoining communities is crucial.

“This is a far reaching and complex project and the initial funding from the Government has helped support the huge amount of work on master planning and on financing and infrastructure studies that is already under way. Government support over the long term will be essential to achieving the growth the borough needs and help it to play a key role in the future of the South East.”