A PETITION has been launched calling for an end to plans to extend an allotment space in Beggarwood.

More than 100 residents in Hatch Warren and Beggarwood have already signed the petition set up by ward councillor Dan Putty last week opposing the planning application to grow allotments in the area.

Last month plans were submitted to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council by town planning consultants Southern Planning, to expand Old Beggarwood Lane’s allotments.

If passed, the planning application would see the erection of fencing, internal and external track and car park expansion, alterations to the footpath and wider space for the allotments.

Cllr Putty slammed the plans earlier this month and decided to set up a petition to unite residents unhappy with the proposals.

He told The Gazette: “Everyone I have spoken to is opposing this extension and car parking because essentially in their park they will be creating a road. This extension is near the play park and means that children will not be able to run freely and parents won’ t let their little ones play there because you have different people from the area coming here.”

Cllr Putty added: “Beggarwood has received some money to fund for community purposes, but by accepting these developments, work that should be spent on the people of the area will be spent on projects for a handful of outsiders “People here don’t want it.”

The extension would be built alongside the current allotment which sits next to Old Beggarwood Lane. Mark Ruffell, BDBC’s cabinet member for planning and infrastructure, however said there was currently a waiting list for allotments in the borough. He added: “The proposed allotment expansion will help to reduce this, and is just one of a number of council projects that will ensure as many residents as possible can grow their ow n produce.”