The owners of Chineham District Centre have responded to criticism that their plans for the redevelopment of the shopping centre do not take into account the climate emergency.

In a statement to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council following the decision to defer granting planning permission, Tellon Capital defended their application, which was criticised by councillors last month.

It looked for permission to demolish a large part of the existing site, and build new shops, restaurants and a hotel.

They said: "The proposals will deliver a step change to the offer and feel of the Centre, enhancing its sense of place and identity and helping to unlock its potential to better serve and support the growing local community.

"The proposals will provide approximately 200 new jobs at the centre itself.

"These proposals will, as outlined below, assist the Council in responding to the declared ‘Climate Emergency’."

Basingstoke Gazette: An artist's impression of Chineham shopping district redevelopmentAn artist's impression of Chineham shopping district redevelopment

Councillors on BDBC's Development Control committee claimed that the proposals were not ambitious enough, citing concerns with parking provision, energy efficiency and public transport access.

However, Tellon have responded by saying that their plans already are sustainable, citing an increase of 164 cycle parking spaces, and a 17.7 per cent net gain in biodiversity.

The organisation also say that their plans will strive to use less energy, as well as supply energy efficiently. This includes the use of solar panels on the roof, using them to heat hot water, as well as heat pumps.

"Furthermore, an increase in parking spaces and improved parking configuration will improve the centre for all existing and new users," Tellon continue. "The level of parking provision proposed has been deemed appropriate and desirable by officers and is compatible with Council policy."

Commenting on the centre’s future, James Burchell, Partner at Tellon Capital said: “Despite the difficult situation we are presently faced with, we are firmly committed to supporting the long-term future of Chineham under our community-focused ownership, and firmly believe that our plans for the future of the centre represent the best, and only, manner in which the centre’s offering can be significantly enhanced to the benefit of the local community.

Basingstoke Gazette: Earlier plans of the development. Proposals for a cinema have since been ruled outEarlier plans of the development. Proposals for a cinema have since been ruled out

“With all of this in mind and with the enhancement being substantially more sustainable than the existing centre, we fervently hope that the development control committee feels able to support our application, as 94 per cent of the hundreds who have engaged in our proposals do. Our planning application is the only way to viably enhance the centre and we will not be able to deliver the community benefits proposed if this application is refused”.

The planning documents shed more light on what the final scheme would entail - and you can see the new floor plan here.

The documents read: "Planning permission is sought for a large scale redevelopment of the existing centre in order to provide additional floorspace within a reconfigured facility with enhanced retail, community and leisure facilities.

"This will require the demolition of the existing buildings which enclose the central north/south courtyard, extending northwards to include the clock tower building.

"The demolition excludes the Chineham Library, Tesco superstore, units to the south of Chineham Library and the larger western retail units."

The new plans will see a new eastern terrace built on the current car park, with four large retail units on the ground floor and office and leisure space on the first floor. Public toilets will be available, whilst an internal courtyard will be built for the offices. A new takeaway kiosk will be built in front of these stores.

The car park there will be relocated to the north of the centre, providing 253 spaces.

To the south of the new car park, a new, four-storey northern terrace will be built, which includes ten units for 'flexible uses', including potentially retail and restaurants. This is also where the entrance to the new 72-bedroom hotel will be, with the reception and restaurant areas on the ground floor and the bedrooms on the floors above.

To the north of the library, six retail units will be built, with the four larger units, which currently contain Matalan, Marks and Spencer and Boots, remaining following a facade refurbishment. The car park which borders these stores will remain, providing 169 spaces. Between the two car parks will be a new pavilion building, featuring three restaurants or cafes. Outside of this will be a public open space, with a potential water feature.

Elsewhere, the buildings to the south of the library, currently where Domino's is situated, will remain unchanged, with a new kiosk for flexible use.

The Tesco superstore and petrol station, as well as the large southern car park, will remain unchanged.

Bus stops will be located adjacent to the north car park, near to the roundabout.