PLANS to build a convenience store in a village have been met with a mixed reaction.

The Co-Op is looking to develop a store on the site of the car sales forecourt, showroom and car repair garage Oakley Village Car Sales, in Oakley Lane.

The plan is to tear down the current business to create the store.

On the planning application submitted to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, there have so far been 25 comments from neighbouring residents stating support for the scheme.

Many of those who support the scheme welcomed the idea of another convenience store in the village, highlighting a current need to travel out of the immediate area where they live to get certain items.

However, there have 11 comments objecting to the proposal.

These relate around concerns over traffic and the issue of deliveries to the store, parking and noise, though some residents have also suggested potential mitigations for these problems.

The planning statement accompanying the application reads: "It is clear that there are no strong economic arguments for retaining the existing employment space, which makes only a very limited contribution to employment within the local area, at the expense of a new convenience store which will, in any case, result in an increase in employment opportunities.

"Furthermore, sufficient evidence has been provided to confirm that there is the requisite expenditure capacity to support an additional convenience store in Oakley."

Oakley and Deane Parish Council has not formally objected to the proposal but has highlighted areas for concern such as opening hours, delivery lorries accessing the site and screening of the site owing to a neighbouring bed and breakfast.

Planning documents state the new store has the potential to create as many as 20 full-time jobs.

To comment on the plan, go to https://planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications and search for the reference 18/01810/FUL.