THE secretary of state for communities and local government believes Basingstoke is set to “attract more business” after he visited two sites in the borough.

As part of his tour of the southern counties, The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP joined councillors from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) and Hampshire County Council (HCC) to visit new developments in Basing View and Chapel Gate – the new 578 home development in Chapel Hill.

Mr Javid, who was joined on his visit by Basingstoke MP Maria Miller, leader of BDBC Cllr Clive Sanders, HCC leader Roy Perry and BDBC deputy leader Cllr Terri Reid, was told about the councils’ work with the M3 Local Enterprise Partnership to promote the development of Basing View.

He also witnessed the progress at Chapel Hill, which will see the first new residents enter the property later this month.

Speaking exclusively to The Gazette, Mr Javid said: “Sites like these are exactly what we want to see more and more of.

“The houses on show are a good example of how effective the space can be used.

“It shows the councils are investing in the town and especially with a site like this, it connects up well with the train station which will attract more business and it is so close to London.”

On the Basing View site, Mr Javid added: “It is good to see two highlyrespected Conservative councils working together on this strategic project. Upgrading and replacing the buildings with new ones to the latest standards will help generate thousands of jobs and increase the prosperity of North Hampshire.”

The Chapel Gate site development was agreed last year and will include a mix of one, two, three and four bedroom homes, of which 230 will be affordable for rent and shared ownership.

The venture is a joint between Barratt Homes and Sentinel Housing Association.

Cllr Reid said she hoped that Mr Javid’s visit would encourage the government to give more money to further grow the borough.

She said: “The work has been fantastic on this site, and it’s great to see a brownfield site used in this way.

“It was important for Mr Javid to see the investment that is being made in Basingstoke and the potential to grow here. Hopefully it will show there is a need for the government to give us some more money so we can continue to grow.”