Proposals to move forward with plans to deliver much-needed affordable homes in Basingstoke town centre are set to be considered by Cabinet next week.

At a meeting on Thursday 9 July, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet will consider plans that would see Vyne Meadow car park redeveloped to deliver new affordable homes in a central location.

The site, on Vyne Road, currently provides 349 parking spaces, with most used by permit holders during weekdays. However, a car parking study commissioned by the council has shown that it has one of the lowest usage levels of all town centre car parks, with enough capacity to meet demand at other sites.

If agreed by Cabinet, the council’s preferred housing partners would be invited to come forward with proposals for the site that would meet the council’s priority for delivering new affordable homes.

This follows early engagement with residents living around the site who were invited to share their views on the possibility of development at Vyne Meadow.

Feedback from residents identified a number of priorities, including ensuring development reflects the character of the area, improves access to the railway station, strengthens connections to nearby green spaces and delivers 100% affordable homes.

The sale of the land would be subject to a housing provider drawing up a suitable scheme with all new homes being affordable, carrying out further engagement with the community to shape proposals before submitting a planning application and developing the site within agreed timescales. If these conditions are not met, the council will be able to buy the land back at the original sale price.

Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property Cllr Gavin James said: “Providing more affordable homes for local people remains one of the biggest challenges facing our borough. With more than 4,000 people currently on the housing register, we know that too many residents are struggling to find a place they can afford to call home.

“That is why we have looked carefully at how we can make better use of land we own to help bring forward the affordable homes our communities need in a sustainable town centre location, close to jobs, public transport and green spaces.

“We have listened carefully to what the community has told us and balanced this against the need for more affordable homes and the impact on parking. This is just the first step. As we work with housing providers, we expect residents to play a key role in shaping the proposals, with the priorities they have already shared helping to guide the future of Vyne Meadow.”

If approved by Cabinet at its meeting on Thursday 9 July, further work would be carried out with housing providers including detailed feasibility studies, selection of a preferred partner and continued engagement with residents and the wider community to help shape proposals ahead of any planning application.

More information and regular updates are available at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/vyne-meadow