A MAJOR development of an area of Basingstoke with the potential for 900 new homes has taken a step closer.

Members of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) agreed at a full council meeting last week to approve a supplementary planning document (SPD) for development on land to the east of Basingstoke.

By approving the document at the meeting on July 27, councillors have agreed to a series of development principles that add greater detail to the authority’s Local Plan policies.

The East of Basingstoke and Redlands development is one which has been through much consultation, and cabinet member for planning and infrastructure, councillor Mark Ruffell believes the SPD is suitable for when any outline planning is submitted.

Speaking at the meeting, cllr Ruffell said: “I continue to support the production of this supplementary planning document which will help to guide development on the East of Basingstoke and Redlands sites.

“I particularly welcome the extent of consultation that has been undertaken with members and stakeholders.

“It is my view that if we make the right decision now at the first hurdle then more people will follow suit and it will mean development will flow quickly.”

Cllr Ruffell also praised the work of officers on the proposed development which would stretch over three different ward boundaries.

The report presented at the meeting read: “During the consultation period, officers held a workshop with local ward members, local parish councils and local groups (Cycle Basingstoke, Natural Basingstoke, Basingstoke Transition Network, Country Watch, SOLVE (Save Our Loddon Valley Environment) to present and discuss the draft Development Brief and to encourage comments on the document.”

The report also says that as Hampshire County Council is the landowner, the quicker the development brief is adopted, the less of a delay for any potential developers to submit an outline planning application.

Brighton Hill South ward councillor, Andy McCormick, questioned the suitability of transport links to the proposed site, asking if the A33 could be widened or even if a train station could be introduced in Chineham.

Cllr Ruffell said: “This area would likely have 900 new homes built on it and the likelihood of a new railway line which already has a high volume of freight trains using it may not be a viable option.”

Councillors moved to adopt the SPD ahead of any outline planning application.