A CONTROVERSIAL plan to turn part of a former Basingstoke bar into a betting shop was turned down by councillors last night.

Councillors on Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s development control committee discussed a plan by William Hill to change the use of the bottom part of 25-27A Winchester Street into a betting shop.

The site was formerly Cafe Piccolo – an Italian restaurant, before being reopened as a nightclub.

As part of the plans, the upper part of the building would have been retained as a “drinking establishment” and a satellite dish and three air conditioning units would have been installed at the site.

But councillors on the committee voted to reject the plans at a meeting at the council offices last night, saying that it went against the local authority’s vision for the Top of The Town.

Grandmother-of-seven Brenda Turner, of Bramblys Close, told the meeting that the first objective of the council’s Top of The Town masterplan was to “improve the shopping and food on offer so that it becomes a more attractive destination with a focus on independent and specialist shops and cafes”.

She added: “In my opinion, this application would have an adverse effect on this area for which we all had such high hopes when the masterplan was agreed last year.”

The council’s deputy leader and Cabinet member responsible for the Town Centre Programme, Councillor Terri Reid, referred to a change in planning law this April which gave councils the power to turn down betting shop applications.

She added: “The report itself actually states the town centre masterplan is a material consideration for this application so I would urge you to consider this.”

Hannah Fortune, of Nathaniel Litchfield and Partners, spoke to councillors on behalf of William Hill at the meeting.

She said William Hill had a “long-term interest” in opening a store in Basingstoke, adding: “We do consider it will enhance the vitality and viability of the town centre for various reasons (stated) in this application.

“There is evidence it does increase footfall and linked trips to other shopping centres. I don’t think Basingstoke is oversaturated at this point.”

Oakley and North Waltham councillor, Diane Taylor, said: “We are always wanting to take some control over the direction Basingstoke takes and the new rules gives us the opportunity to do so and we should grasp it with both hands.

“This application is completely at variance with the vision for the Top of The Town. I categorically cannot support it and I think we should take the opportunity to take control to help the vision for the top of The Town come into being and refuse this.”

Six councillors voted to reject the application while four councillors abstained from the vote.