A BOROUGH resident has spoken out against a "giant" logistics development site being built after the former AA headquarters building was demolished.

As previously reported, Lilly House, in Priestley Road, has been raised to the ground by developer Wrenbridge to build a new logistics development on the site, creating between 252 to 532 new jobs.

The developer submitted an application last year to demolish the empty building and redevelop the site to deliver approximately 206,050 sq. ft of commercial space, including 10,194 sq. ft of office space.

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The building was vacant since pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly moved to new offices in Basing View last year, funded partly by the borough council.

It was previously the headquarters of the AA when it was known as Norfolk House, from the mid-1990s to 2003.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council granted permission for the development in July this year, despite concerns from Sport England about the loss of a playing field.

Since then residents have spotted the site taking shape including Gillian Avery, who has lived in Tadley since 1980.

The 71-year-old got in contact with the Gazette after she said she was shocked at the size of the development.

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She said: "I was really surprised to see the immense size of the building and when I saw it I couldn't understand why they have chosen to build giant warehouses. I think it would have been a really good place for the new hospital to be built, considering its proximity to the existing one. It would have been the perfect place for it.

"I think it just looks awful, it is a monstrosity."

She said she thinks the buildings will just be used for storage which she said would be "really sad to see".

A spokesperson from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council said: "Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council received a planning application for the demolition of the former Eli Lilly and Company headquarters and the development of a new logistics centre, including 18,183 square metres of warehouse space and appropriate service areas, parking, access and landscaping, in Priestley Road in October 2021.

"The planning application was considered in line with national planning policies and following a period of consultation with statutory consultees, including nearby residents and businesses. Four objections to the application were received during this consultation and they were addressed as part of the officer’s report which recommended the application for approval.

"The application was approved by officers in July 2022, subject to a number of planning conditions including hours of construction and other measures to minimise disruption for nearby residents and businesses."

A spokesperson from GLP, a management company which work alongside Wrenbridge, said: “As with all GLP’s UK developments, this new development in Basingstoke is being built in close communication and collaboration with the local authorities.

"All our sites are designed to be modern, sustainable and well-integrated with the local environment and community.”

Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust has also been contacted for a comment but the Gazette has received no response.