THE site of a former community building is set to get a new lease of life as housing.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is to transfer ownership of Harlech Hall, in Harlech Close, Winklebury, to VIVID, which will be building seven affordable homes.

The building has been empty for over two years with the council saying no local group has been identified to use the hall.

VIVID has now been granted planning permission to demolish the building and build seven one and two-bedroom homes.

All of the homes will be available for affordable rent through VIVID to people on the council’s housing waiting list.

Cabinet member responsible for housing and regeneration, Councillor Terri Reid, said: “We have been able to work with VIVID to turn this unused land into much-needed affordable housing by transferring ownership of the Harlech Hall site, which has been empty for some time.

“All of the properties that will be built on the site will be affordable and will help local people in need of homes by creating a great place to live.

“Alongside the new ALDI development (in Winklebury Way), the redevelopment of Harlech Hall is a key part of the important work currently taking place to improve the Winklebury area for local residents.”

The ALDI plan and these new homes are steps for a long-term regeneration project for Winklebury which began in March with discussions on what local residents would like to see improved.

Members of the Winklebury Community Action Group then met with representatives from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, VIVID and the architects drawing up the initial plans, to incorporate points from the Winklebury Community Plan.

An initial plan showing the areas owned by the borough and county councils and VIVID has been created as a starting point for the regeneration proposals.

The plan went on show at the Winklebury Gala last month for residents to see.

VIVID’s director of new business and development Mike Shepherd said: “We’re pleased that the planning application has been successful and look forward to delivering seven new homes to the local community.

“We went along to the Winklebury Gala which was a great opportunity to speak to residents about their views on potential plans for the further regeneration of Winklebury.”