A PROPOSED retirement village in the grounds of Oakley Hall in Basingstoke has been described as the “missing link” for residents who want to retire in the area.

Borough Councillors on the Development Control Committee debated plans to build a continuing care retirement community of up to 150 units of accommodation together with a range of community facilities that will all be provided on site.

The application was unanimously approved by all councillors in attendance.

These facilities include a spa, pool, a gym with changing areas, salon area, dinning area, meeting rooms and a laundry room.

The plans were submitted by Forest Care Ltd and Forgarty Group Ltd.

Brian Adams, spoke on behalf of the Oakley and Deane Paris council planning committee.

He said: “Over the years many families have moved into the area to enjoy the rural feel and village environment that offers a sense of belonging and community spirit.

“We strongly believe that the addition of the Oakley Hall retirement village is an opportunity not to be missed, which will serve the needs of the ageing community in the Parish for many years to come.”

This development will be on top of plans to build 33 homes at Oakley Hall Hotel, submitted by Cove Construction Limited and Fogarty Group Limited.

A resident from nearby Deane objected to the plans, Douglas Payne, said: “This is the wrong place for a massive new development.”

He said it would have a huge impact on the landscape and push local GP services to “breaking point”.

Cllr Diane Taylor, the ward councillor for Oakley, supported the plans and said people have been asking for retirement homes and the redevelopment for as long as she can remember, and the site would ‘provide the missing link” and “is needed”.

She said: “I am confident that this proposed development will be top quality both in build and in management. We need that in this borough.”

Cllr Paul Harvey, Leader of the Basingstoke and Deane Independent Group, said that given that the development would be a retirement village the borough “would be gaining something” that is “much needed”.

He added: “I would certainly support it.”

Cllr Stuart Frost, the conservative councillor who represents Tadley North, Kingsclere and Baughurst shared his concerns that something must be built on the land and said he does not want that to be luxury accommodation.

As previously reported 33 luxury homes were approved for the same site. Despite objections from four councillors, the application was approved, with seven voting in favour.

Despite his concerns he said: “I think it will add to the local area and it will be of benefit to both residents and non-residents.”

Some of the facilities are planned to be open to the public.