A BASINGSTOKE retail park is being patrolled daily by security to prevent anti-social behaviour.

The Brighton Hill Retail Park has been left derelict after owner Equation Properties was refused planning permission in October 2022 by the borough council to develop the site.

The last retailer to leave the 3.24 hectare retail park in Winchester Road was Carpetright in June 2022.

Read more: Owners of Brighton Hill Retail Park urged to sell site or submit new plan

Since then, local councillors and neighbours of the empty site have raised concerns about anti-social behaviour.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s deputy chief executive Rebecca Emmett said it had asked the owner to properly secure the site.

She added: “We know that the Brighton Hill Retail Park has caused some concern to local residents and we continue to be in regular contact with the owners and their representatives about the security of the site.

“As a result of our requests to them, all buildings have now been secured with daily security visits by the owner’s contractor to ensure they remain secure.”

The council’s community safety patrol officers have also been regularly patrolling the site and reporting any incidents. They have so far issued two anti-social behaviour warnings.

See also: Brighton Hill Retail Park could become 'antisocial behaviour magnet'

However, the borough council said the perimeter fencing around the site is still not “sufficient to deter intruders”.

Ms Emmett said the owner had been informed of this and added: “We are awaiting their proposals for a replacement.”

A spokesperson for Equation Properties previously told the Gazette it wants to work with the council and community to “deliver an appropriate scheme” and intends to consult with residents and the local authority.

They added: “We remain committed to delivering a high-quality development that will create jobs and deliver a host of other major benefits, and we are keen to work with the council and the community to turn this vision into a reality.”

Equation Properties was granted permission to demolish the buildings on the site last year but has delayed knocking them down until it has approval for plans to develop the site.

Its original application to turn the site into a 24/7 commercial development was refused on five grounds including the height of the buildings; highway safety; and inadequate parking.

A spokesperson for Equation Properties said: "In recent weeks, we have undertaken multiple actions to ensure that the site is safe and secure, including welding shut doors and securing the Herras fencing.

“We are aware that arrests have since been made in connection with breaking and entering.

“We remain committed to delivering a high-quality redevelopment that will create jobs and deliver a host of other major benefits. We intend to consult residents and the local authority in due course, and we are keen to work with the council to turn our vision into a reality.”