PLANS for a long-awaited community centre in Beggarwood have moved a step closer after an application for the scheme was submitted to the borough council.

As previously reported by The Gazette, developer Bellway Homes had applied for permission to include a community centre in its new development off Beggarwood Lane.

But separately, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council had drawn up a site for a new community facility in Beggarwood Park, near the Kiddi Caru nursery.

Residents from the area had the chance to have their say on the plans last November with 68 per cent of the 195 consultation responses signalling a preference to having the new facility at Beggarwood Park.

The Beggarwood Park option was also favoured by the Hatch Warren Community Association, who will run the new community centre, and Hatch Warren and Beggarwood councillors.

And the proposals have now moved a step closer after a planning application was submitted by the borough council for the new community facility.

About £505,000 of developers contributions will be used to fund the planning permission and building of the new centre.

The application says: “It is clear that those that live within what is defined as ‘Beggarwood Park’ are within a good walking distance of any future facility whilst outside of this residents of Hatch Warren will continue to be served by Hatch Warren Community Hall and similarly residents of Kempshott will be served by Old Down Hall.

“The proposal is designed to complement and enhance the character of the park and its use by residents.

“The building provides a foyer space, office and WC facilities around this area with entrances into the main hall which is orientated towards the views of the park and the distant views to the north.”

A decision on the application is expected by November 10.