RESIDENTS are being asked for their views on Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s plans to preserve and enhance the historic character of the town centre.
As reported by The Gazette in December, Basingstoke town centre was identified as a key area for focus in plans to review the borough’s conservation areas following recent changes to The Malls and regeneration plans for the Top of The Town.
In response, the borough council has recommended several changes to the Basingstoke town centre conservation area including: Support for new development in New Street, Cross Street and Central car park.
- Support for landscaping enhancements to Albert Yard, Castons Yard, Feathers Yard, Jacobs Yard, Joices Yard and Church Square.
- Promoting a strategy for public areas in Basingstoke.
- Controlling unsightly advertisements in the Top of The Town.
- Amending the conservation area boundary to include parts of Winchester Road and exclude Lauriston Court, in London Road.
- Restricting development in Chequers Road, Church Square and New Road.
- Promoting buildings that improve the character and appearance of the conservation area.
A period of public consultation will take place from June 23 to August 4, which will include a public exhibition to be held at the United Reform Church, in London Street, between 12pm and 8pm on June 30.
An additional exhibition showing what is proposed will also be on display from July 1 to August 1 at the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council offices, in London Road and a survey will be available at the public exhibitions, from the council offices and online at basingstoke.gov.uk/go/conservationconsultation.
Cabinet member for community services and the environment, councillor Hayley Eachus said: “Basingstoke’s town centre has a special character and we want to do everything we can to ensure that one of the town’s most valued historic area is preserved.
"We need the support of the residents to help us shape the conservation area to safeguard it in the future.”
Following the consultation, comments will be considered and an amended report will be presented to the borough council’s decision-making cabinet.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here