BASINGSTOKE HERITAGE SOCIETY

Basingstoke Heritage Society
News for Members no 75
July 2008

War Memorial Park Tree Trail walk

Saturday 13th September at 2.00pm

Nicola Williams is leading the above as a Tree Warden on behalf of the Hampshire Wildlife Trust and they are asking for Ł2.00 per person, unless the person is a member of the Trust already.

Meet at 2:00pm in the car park at the top end of Crossborough Hill.

If you require further information Nicola can be contacted on -
01256 353194.

Lilly and Kingsclere Road

If you read the Gazette, you will be aware that this particular development has caused quite a stir with the accusation that Lemon Land who now own the site have not sufficiently consulted with the public about their proposals. Lemon Land called a meeting for neighbours by invitation on 18th June but this meeting turned into a large public meeting with about 300 people present. A week prior to this, your vice-Chairman and Secretary met with Director David Philips of Lemon Land, together with people from planning consultants, Indigo and architects 3W. The proposal which is not yet a formal planning application seeks to make space for BCOT’s new campus. The proposal would retain the Lilly building as a hotel and it creates vistas which make the landmark building a focus of the development. So far, so good! But then we have a proposal for yet more flats, in blocks maybe as high as 12 storeys – 450 with a further 200 houses of 2 or 3 storeys at a fairly high density. Your committee discussed this at our July meeting and are to respond to the consultation as below:

1. The retention of the Eli Lilly building is welcomed, as is the making of the building the focal point of the development.

2. The inclusion of non-flatted family housing is welcomed.

3. Existing tower blocks of flats are receiving adverse comment: contrary to the general character of Basingstoke's two/three storey building height; lack of demand resulting in under occupation; attractive as buy-to-lets with landlords seemingly unconcerned to maintain; and occupation by anti-social and even criminal elements.   A greater emphasis on non-flatted housing would be welcomed.

4. The desire of BCOT to relocate is recognised.   However, a potential problem is whether demand for parking will be met on site; if not, overspill into nearby residential roads will inconvenience residents as will any consequential parking restrictions.

5. Access to train and bus stations and to the Town Centre is already constrained by the Chapel Hill bridge and nothing in the proposals eases the situation.   At the very least access for pedestrians and cyclists must be addressed.

6. The change of use of the site from commercial implies the loss of job opportunities although to a limited extent the inclusion of some commercial will offset that loss.   However, the proximity of the Town Centre and the intervening barrier of the railway line together suggest retail outlets are likely to be of local appeal only”.

Lemon Land would be very willing to meet members of the society. We think that if this is to happen, then we would like to extend the invitation beyond those who come to our monthly meetings. So, we are asking you if you would like to come to such a meeting. This is because it would be important to know how many people might attend. If you are interested, please contact the secretary – by phone 473390 e mail Reavell@btinternet.com or by post to 25 Cromwell Road, Basingstoke, RG21 5NR. If you leave a message, please include a contact number.
If there is sufficient interest we will go ahead.

Here are two photos of a house regarded as of significant quality in the central town conservation area.

24 Winchester Road in 2002 ....

....and in 2008 ....

It stands opposite Bramblys Drive in Winchester Road and is a fine house, dating from about 1850. It adds quality to the entrance from the town along the Winchester Road. It had been left empty and although we understand that the Council’s Conservation Team were aware of this and had asked for confirmation that the house was weather tight, it appears that a fire was started in the property and it now has been half demolished. The developer, TA Fisher, has sought consent to demolish the property completely except for the frontage, adding on 2 flats and 4 town houses. It is possible for the Council to ask the developer to rebuild, repair and restore the property and we have strongly supported that view.

Other Matters

=> 36 Vyne Road - appeal entered

=> Old Kempshott Lane – former Worting Infants school - this building was demolished/fell down? during rebuild. The developer will put up a rough copy.

All members are welcome to attend meetings of the society.

At most meetings we consider planning applications which fall within the area of concern to the society and agree comments.

Next meetings - August 7 in Central Studio at Queen Mary’s College and September 4 (go in at the main entrance and reception will guide you to the room) at 7.30.

For further information contact Debbie Reavell on 01256 473390
or by e-mail