BASINGSTOKE could be expected to build an extra 300 homes every year under proposed changes to national planning policy, which would have a 'huge and dramatic impact' on the town, the borough council has said.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) has objected to Government plans to update the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) that would see the area's housing targets increase by 37 per cent, which would mean more than 300 homes being built in the town every year.
The changes, which are under consultation until September 24, have been criticised by the borough council as it could 'risk leaving us [Basingstoke and Deane] open to unwanted speculative development in the area'.
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The news comes amidst changes to the Local Plan in the borough - used to guide development and planning decisions until at least 2040 - which is currently being drafted by BDBC.
Cabinet member for strategic planning and infrastructure, Cllr Andy Konieczko, said that since taking over the running of the council in May 2023 the local plan has been a priority, adding: "We've already engaged extensively with local residents and communities on the draft Local Plan and we're keen to get it finalised."
He said the new planning rules could have a "huge and dramatic impact on our borough", adding: "We do not agree with them. Instead, we believe we should be allowed to get on and deliver our draft Local Plan."
The councillor explained that the council is "carefully analysing what the full consequences will be" under the changes and will be "making a very strong case against the new housing figure in our response".
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Leader of the borough council, Cllr Paul Harvey, also criticised the proposals and said the higher housing number proposed is not "achievable or right", adding: "Moving the goalposts now could undo all of the hard work that BDBC has completed over the past few years.
"It also risks leaving us open to unwanted speculative development in our area."
BDBC will meet with the department responsible for changes in national planning policy, Basingstoke MP Luke Murphy and neighbouring local authorities to push for the council to finish the plan under the existing NPPF rules.
Cllr Konieczko said that the council will explore "all viable options to challenge these proposed changes".
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