Merton Rise scheme resurrected (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Merton Rise scheme resurrected

7:30am Sunday 14th October 2012 in Local By Adam Richards

A LARGE housing development, shelved because of the recession, is set to be resurrected by a partnership between a housing developer and a Basingstoke-based housing association.

Persimmon Homes and Sentinel Housing Association are finalising plans for 784 new homes at Merton Rise, next to Everest Community Academy, in Popley.

Planners hope to submit a detailed planning application by the end of the year, and a spokesman for Sentinel said it hopes to start building the first of three phases by early 2013.

Persimmon and Sentinel together bought the land from Hampshire County Council for an undisclosed amount earlier this month.

Sentinel chief executive Martin Nurse said he hoped the plans will help young people get on to the housing ladder.

He added: “We are very pleased to be in partnership with Persimmon Homes in getting Merton Rise moving forward.

“Sentinel has been working hard in bringing forward new housing development, partly to support the local economy emerging from the recession and to provide much-needed affordable homes for local people.

“We hope this gives a boost to people seeking housing, particularly for young people looking for their first home, as we are addressing the shortage of good homes they can afford in Basingstoke.”

The proposed development won outline planning permission – borough council approval of the scheme in principle – in December 2010.

But development was stalled by an earlier decision by the county council landowners who opted to stop promoting the land until the housing market picked up. Overall, Persimmon will provide 471 homes and, alongside Sentinel, will spend £35million building 313 affordable homes, which will be made up of 196 socially rented homes, and 117 shared ownership properties.

Persimmon will develop their part of the project with their sister company Charles Church. Welcoming the new deal, Persimmon managing director Danny O’Connor

said: “We are delighted to have secured this important site and to be working in partnership with Sentinel on bringing forward the delivery of much-needed new homes at Merton Rise.

“The scheme will be a major contributor to stimulating the local economy and creating long-term jobs for local people.”

The development will also feature a new community centre, 10 hectares of open space, and allotments.