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Aims and Vision

Aims

The North Popley (Merton Rise) development forms part of the North Basingstoke Action Plan. The Action Plan has been prepared to co-ordinate the continued regeneration and development of the North Basingstoke area lying between the A33 (Basingstoke to Reading Road) and the A339 (Basingstoke to Newbury Road), including land at North Popley, Park Village, Aldermaston Road Triangle and other sites in the vicinity.

The North Popley (Merton Rise) development aims to provide a sustainable urban extension that can meet the needs of existing and future residents in improving the economic, social and environmental well-being of the north Basingstoke community through development of the three major sites at North Popley (Merton Rise) with a mix of regeneration, environmental protection and enhancement.

The combined development proposals at North Popley (Merton Rise) total approximately 2100 dwellings together with the provision for a new secondary school, new community facilities, neighbourhood centre, land for employment and sports, leisure and amenity open space. Development of the three sites at Merton Rise, Marnel Park and the John Hunt of Everest School site will provide a mix of housing types, including approximately 40% one and two bedrooms, 35% 3 bedrooms and 25% four bedroom housing, at an overall net density of about 48 dwellings per hectare. There will be approximately 460 affordable dwellings on the three sites.

Vision

The vision for the North Popley (Merton Rise) schemes is outlined in the North of Popley Way Development and Design Brief:

  • Accordance with established sustainable development practices that gives Basingstoke an attractive and human urban extension.
  • Based on an overall masterplan, integrating individual releases of land.
  • Highest possible standard of urban design, based on the latest government guidance, which promotes local character and identity.
  • A variety of housing that provides the most appropriate mix in accordance with local needs.
  • Provision of significant new facilities to meet the expected needs of the community.
  • The creative use of quality building materials including road/footpath/cycleway surfaces and street furniture.
  • Integrating the new development into Popley, whilst maintaining the character of the surrounding countryside.
  • A fully integrated community school.