AN application for eight new affordable homes in Kingsclere was approved by Basingstoke planning bosses.

Sentinel Housing Association was given the green light for the development in Longcroft Road by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s development control committee.

Mike Shepherd, development and regeneration director for Sentinel, said the rents would be “capped below the Government policy of 80 per cent market rent”.

The eight homes will consist of three, two bedroom homes, and five, three bedroom homes. Sentinel hopes to start construction by early 2013.

Up to 16 parking spaces will be created and an additional seven will be added to the end of Longcroft Road, replacing those lost to the development.

The proposal was welcomed by councillors who said the development would provide cheap housing for local families.

Kingsclere ward borough councillor Donald Sherlock said: “The scheme provides all the requirements, and ticks all the boxes necessary.

“It is very important for Kingsclere, which has got an ageing population and needs an inflow of young people.”

Following the decision Zoë Wensley-Smith, Sentinel’s business development manager, said: “We are committed to investing in communities by providing much needed affordable homes in rural areas.

“This development will help maintain and increase the existing community of Kingsclere and it will provide affordable homes to local residents.”