A "SPECULATIVE" warehouse development planned for farmland close to M3 Junction 7 will cause unacceptable levels of pollution, according to a newly-formed group of campaigners.

Clean Air Green Environment (CAGE) has been set up by residents of areas close to Oakdown Farm, where developers want to build warehouses the size of 38 football pitches.

It could see 750 heavy goods vehicles and up to one thousand cars, vans and trucks using the site when built.

Christine Northam, who lives in Dummer, said that the plans are badly thought out.

"There is no proper strategic plan for the western approach to Basingstoke," she told The Gazette.

"The council, we understand, have got this in process. But the results and final report will not be forthcoming before this submission will be considered."

As previously reported, there is plenty of development planned around the motorway junction - including a potential new hospital, 1,000 homes at Basingstoke Golf Course, 750 homes at Hounsome Fields and the warehouses.

Plus, Christine says she's heard rumours of an extension to the Crematorium and a new Science Park.

All of this is set to transform the area in the future, which is rolling countryside today.

And this raises serious concerns for Christine in light of the climate crisis.

"The number one reason is pollution," she continued.

"That pollution means light, sound, particulate from the diesel fumes but most importantly the nitrogen dioxide that will come off the lorries.

"Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council are committed to zero carbon emissions by 2030.

"Our experts have estimated that by 2030, there could be 750 HGVs and up to one thousand cars, vans and trucks utilising this site. How we square zero emissions and a project like that - well you can't."

The plans are also not necessary according to the group - they say there is empty warehouse space in both Basingstoke and Andover, and the development does not have confirmed occupiers.

Fellow campaigner John Gill said: "It is not being driven by the people who live here and the council. It is all being driven by money-making developers who care nothing about us at all.

"They are using coronavirus to get what they want whilst we are not looking."

Michael Wilson added that the first he heard was the previous report in The Gazette, adding: "I think that one of the main issues is that this has all taken place behind our backs."

And for one young family living opposite where the site would be situated, it would transform their lives.

Ganderdown Cottages are situated on the A30, and would be nestled between Hounsome Fields, Basingstoke Gateway and the new hospital if they all go ahead.

"This probably has the most significant impact on us because of excessive HGV and traffic 24/7.

"There won't be any respite here."

Newlands Developments previously said that Basingstoke Gateway would involve 271,000 square metres of commercial and industrial floorspace, and could bring over 1,500 new jobs and £100 million of investment to the town.

An outline planning application has been submitted, with one public comment calling it an "atrocity".

You can see the full plans and have your say by searching 20/02162/OUT on BDBC's planning portal.

What do you think of the proposal? Let us know your views by writing a letter to the editor and emailing it to newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk.