THE director of the development firm behind plans for a care home and flat on the Camrose football stadium has said the government inspector’s conclusion to grant their appeal is ‘the right decision’.

As previously reported, permission has been granted for 85 dwellings and a 70-bedroom care home on the Camrose football stadium site after an inspector approved the developer's appeals.

READ MORE: Permission granted for flats and care home on Camrose ground after inspector APPROVES developer appeals

Former chairman of Basingstoke Town Football Club Rafi Razzak and his company Basron Developments Ltd lodged appeals against a decision by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's Development Control Committee to reject his planning applications.

Reacting to the news, Basron director Malcolm McPhail said: “We are delighted. I think [the inspector] dealt with all the main points and came to a pragmatic conclusion.

“From our point of view, this decision should have been made two years ago, and in the interim the club has suffered. So we are pleased, but just disappointed it’s taken so long.”

He continued: “I think the outcome here is a positive one for the town. We will now see what is essentially a blighted site in the town centre regenerated. We will achieve new jobs and affordable housing on the site. So really, at the end of the day, the outcome has the right impact.

“I also believe it’s in the best interest of the community club as well, and probably the right financial model for them. They are now working financially within their limits. If they had gone back to the Camrose, they could not afford to actually run it, financially. So hopefully they can continue to grow and prosper at Winklebury.”

SEE ALSO: ‘A tragedy for democracy’: Council leader reacts to news that Camrose appeals have been granted

In a statement on its website, Basingstoke Town Community Football Club wrote: “The club this morning disappointingly learnt that Basron’s planning permission to build housing and a care home on the historic site of The Camrose has been granted by The National Planning Inspectorate.

“The club board will be consulting our legal representatives and will be holding an internal meeting to discuss the next steps and courses of action.

“We will send out further updates in due course.”

Rafi Razzak has been contacted for comment.

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