TWELVE flats and two retail and community units look set to be built in Sherfield-on-Loddon after plans were approved by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

As previously reported by The Gazette, Croudace Homes Limited applied for planning permission in December to build 12 two-bedroom flats and two retail units in Sunwood Drive, Sherfield Park.

The developer spoke to Sherfield Park Residents’ Association which expressed a desire to have a shop. But following approaches to companies including Tesco and Waitrose, only smaller independent shops expressed an interest. As a result Croudace will lease the two units to the residents’ association for £1 per annum for retail and community use. Any profit made from rent will be kept by the association to help fund local projects and the Sherfield Park Community Centre.

Planning officers at the borough council approved the scheme.