RESIDENTS are being invited to submit feedback about proposed plans for a distribution warehouse at Basingstoke Gateway, the land near Junction 7 of the M3.

Newlands Developments recently announced it was preparing a revised planning application for the new distribution hub, with smaller dimensions and a new occupier: supermarket chain Lidl.

SEE MORE: Basingstoke Gateway: Developer releases early drawing of proposed Lidl warehouse

The developer is now inviting feedback from the community before submitting the changed application.

John Barker, development director at Newlands Developments, said: “We were obviously disappointed our previous application was refused. However, having seen the strength of feelings - in particular in relation to the loss of the oak trees - we have revised the proposed scheme and made significant changes, not least retaining the avenue of oaks.

“We are delighted to be able to announce the key occupier of the larger of the three buildings will be Lidl, which already employs many people in Basingstoke through its three stores.

“Lidl’s requirement has allowed us to reshape the scheme to pull that building away from the oak trees. It will also free up some of the land on the northern part of our site for further landscaping and planting.”

In October, members of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s development control committee refused Newlands’ previous application - understood to be earmarked for Amazon - despite officers recommending it for approval.

The proposed plans would save the 67 oak trees and three beech trees in Oakdown Farm, which would have been removed if Amazon plans went ahead. The news came after a petition, which looked to save the oak trees from destruction, gained more than 100,000 signatures.

The proposal is now 65 per cent smaller than the previous application - down from 271,000 square metres to 101,000 square metres. The height of the buildings has also been reduced between two and three metres across the site, while a proposed landscaping ‘bund’ to be located on the southern side of the M3 has been removed.

READ MORE: 'I was very pleased': Councillor's delight as review into 20mph speed zones begin

Lidl would be located in the largest of the three units, with the occupiers of the other two yet to be revealed.

Residents and businesses can provide their feedback by attending a public exhibition to be held at Dummer Golf Club in Basingstoke on February 17.

Alternatively, feedback must be submitted by February 20 via the consultation website, visit: https://basingstokegateway.co.uk/

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from Basingstoke by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page here.

Kimberley Barber

Editor