A BASINGSTOKE councillor has shared his thoughts on Basingstoke Council objecting to a plan to build a road through the historic Camrose Ground.

The planning application was initially proposed to build a road running from Western Way to Winchester Road.

The Gazette previously reported that the planning application was refused on the grounds it would lead to a loss of “existing cultural and leisure facilities without satisfactorily demonstrating that sufficient and alternative provision has been made.”

Councillor Ken Rhatigan, responsible for Kingsclere Ward, told the Gazette: “The planning process needs to take its course and if consultees feel its not sufficient, then it has to be rejected.

“Until Sports England think they have the right mitigation, we do not think it meets the planning terms of the policy.

“We have refused the planning application because it does not meet the criteria.

“There are many hurdles for it to go through before being accepted by the council.”

Cllr Rhatigan said Basron and the applicant need to put in further provisions or replacement of the current ground or build a football pitch elsewhere in Basingstoke.

“It has been rejected on the grounds of the policy. We stick by our decision until all the facts are on the table,” he added.