A FORMER hostel for homeless women could be demolished under a new plan to build flats on the site.

Sandringham Court is the subject of a new planning application which would see the creation of 10 two-bedroom and three one-bedroom flats, on the site in Paddock Road, South Ham.

The site was previously used as a hostel with 16 flats to provide a safe place for single homeless women.

However the facility was closed in 2014 following sweeping funding cuts to support services for the vulnerable made by Hampshire County Council.

In a statement submitted with the planning application, applicant Affinity Sutton, said: “The development aims to make a significant contribution to the provision of high quality accommodation that offers a safe home with the provision of on-site parking and private amenity spaces.

“The scheme will also benefit the area by enhancing the quality of the local architecture and housing stock providing affordable housing for families and young couples.”

Affinity Sutton has also stated in its application that ‘considerable’ consultation has been undertaken with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s planning department before submitting the application.

This was in a bid to demonstrate that both high quality and affordable homes can be built at this site.

In its statement with the application, the developer added: “ A public consultation event demonstrated that the majority of local residents were in favour of the change in use, we have sought to improve the existing building by an attractive re-design which will provide a heart for both the existing community and the new homes.”

To view or comment on the application, go to planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications and search for the reference 17/04029/FUL.