Maria Miller, MP for Basingstoke has expressed concern about proposals for 450 flats including microflats as part of the development of Gresley Road. Maria said, “I’m concerned that our local council is bring forced to consider further high rise, high density flats in Basingstoke as a result of centrally- set, unrealistic house- building targets.”
Maria went on to say, “There have been a number of tower block developments in Basingstoke over recent years and local residents feel that sector of the housing markets is overwhelmed. The high numbers of flats are putting unsustainable pressure on our local roads and other services. House building levels are still not being matched with investment in our local services”
Maria Miller has acknowledged that Basingstoke does need new homes but maintains, “We need the right type of homes in the right places. I am continually asked by Basingstoke residents why there are not more family homes being built which can cater for people with children. Housing policy in Basingstoke needs to be led by the needs of the people of Basingstoke, not centrally imposed targets from the Government.”
“Local Basingstoke Councillors from all political backgrounds have voiced their concerns, even leading members of the previous administration who feel that enough is enough when it comes to high- density house building. I call on them to support an end to PPG3 and the Government’s house- building targets and call for a move towards a Basingstoke- friendly approach to house building.”
