A LABOUR party candidate is 'angry' and 'concerned' about plans to regenerate an area of Basingstoke, which he says ignore the views of residents.

Vivid is preparing to submit a planning application to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, which will see various areas of Winklebury transformed to deliver 206 new homes, a pre-school, and a health centre.

Alex Lee, Labour Party candidate for Winklebury and Manydown said residents have been left out of the loop.

READ MORE: Firist look at regeneration plans in Winklebury

He said: “The Winklebury generation has been going for several years now and from the outset, residents have felt like there has been a lack of communication between all the parties involved, which is quite worrying for them.

“More is being detailed on Facebook than it is on any information or newsletters to residents."

The housing association wants to regenerate four areas of Winklebury – the former Fort Hill School, the Winklebury Centre, Newman Bassett, Carrisbrooke Close, and the Play Council site.

Despite Mr Lee’s worries, Vivid told The Gazette they have been in constant contact with residents.

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Mike Shepherd, group development and new business Director at Vivid, said: “We have held two formal consultation events which have been supplemented with regular newsletters, a dedicated webpage and social media. We’re really pleased with the responses to these, and the feedback received has helped to shape our proposals.

“We’ve also been in regular contact with residents and business owners who are directly affected, as well as local community groups and stakeholders. Our plans are continuing to evolve, and we will share more details with the community ahead of our planning submission.”

Mr Lee said residents are worried about the height of the proposed flats and the size of the medical centre.

A spokesperson from Basingstoke and Deane Council said: "In our role as the local planning authority, we notify local residents of a planning application submitted once a planning application has been received.

"Local residents will then have the opportunity to submit formal consultation responses which are then reviewed by the planning officer as well as any comments from statutory consultees as part of their assessment of the application."

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