Vision for land north of the M3 at junction 7

The council's Cabinet approved the final version of the Vision for Land North of the M3 at Junction 7 at a meeting on Tuesday 9 March 2021 following consultation from November 2020 to January 2021.

The aim of the vision was to help set the direction for future planning policy relating to the west of Basingstoke and inform the emerging update of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan. Considering wider needs such as health, education, water and sewerage, the vision highlighted areas where investment or more detailed work would be needed, especially to improve infrastructure and help other local services to plan ahead in a coordinated way.

Focusing on the joined-up planning and delivery of infrastructure needed to support residents’ quality of life, opportunities for new jobs and better facilities, the vision aimed to draw together several different projects and opportunities in the area, ensuring that addressing climate change is at the heart of future proposals. The document responded to work undertaken by the Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who have been considering potential sites for a new hospital to serve the North and Mid-Hants area.

The vision recognised that this area is an important gateway to the town from the south west with nearby historic villages with their own distinctive identities. It set out the need to reflect the characteristics of the local environment and the potential concerns of nearby communities in any future development. It included proposing new strategic gaps around villages such as North Waltham and Dummer.

It also focused on the protection and enhancement of key features in the historic environment, such as nearby conservation areas and a scheduled monument, as well as the potential for linked green corridors between key habitats, benefiting the natural environment and providing recreational opportunities for nearby communities.

The council has been progressing the update of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan since the vision was published, and a draft Plan was consulted on between January and March 2024. Further details regarding proposals for this area, and the wider borough, can be found on the Local Plan Update page.