PLANS to demolish an ex-services club in favour of residential flats has been approved despite concerns around parking provisions.

Members of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s development control committee took the decision to approve plans submitted by Orange Holmes Ltd, to build 10 residential apartments with car parking and amenity area in New Road.

The former ex-services club was closed due to lack of finances and will now be transformed.

However, members of the committee did question the designation of only 10 parking spaces for the development, with none of the spaces being allocated.

Councillors raised the issue that there were no provisions for visitors parking and that for the eight three-bedroom flats proposed there would probably be two cars for the one property.

Chair of the meeting held on Wednesday, 6 December, councillor Paul Miller questioned where visitors were meant to park, to which officers responded that nearby public car parks would only cost £1 to use overnight.

Kingsclere ward councillor, Cllr Ken Rhatigan praised the plans.

Cllr Rhatigan said: “This is exactly what we should be doing, it is exactly the type of proposal we need in this borough.

“I really like this proposal and I am happy to recommend it for approval.”

However, this view was not met by other members with Bramley and Sherfield ward councillor, Cllr Nick Robinson saying there is bound to be issues with parking.

Cllr Robinson said: “When people come home from work, unfortunately that is via a car most of the time and these cars they have to go somewhere.

“If there isn’t the provision these cars don’t just disappear, and they’ll end up parking badly across the entrance or and jam up the roads.”

Basing ward councillor, Cllr Sven Godesen added: “The parking provision is completely and absolutely inadequate.”

Despite the concerns raised by councillors, the plans were approved.