Proposals to bring hundreds of new homes, jobs and better road links to a former Ministry of Defence barracks in Whitehill and Bordon, Hampshire, have taken a big step forward after being backed by councillors.
East Hampshire District Council’s planning committee approved the Homes and Communities Agency’s outline planning application for 500 new and affordable homes and around 3 hectares of employment space at its Louisburg Barracks site.
The decision supports ambitions to build a new construction skills training centre as part of the development, to help create around 500 jobs and provide a huge economic boost for the local area. The application also included the first phase of a new relief road which enables access to the site and eases congestion around the town. Work is expected to start on the road by next spring and is supported by around £10 million in investment from the HCA.
This project is an early phase of local plans to build around 3,500 new homes and create up to 5,500 jobs as part of a sustainable new community in Whitehill and Bordon. It marks a step-change in efforts to create a new community with homes and jobs after the relocation of the Ministry of Defence training operations and around 800 of its staff from the town next year.
The HCA has already started its search for a development partner to take responsibility for working with local partners and residents to produce detailed proposals for the homes and employment space at Louisburg next year.
Kevin Bourner, HCA head of area, said: “This is another positive step towards bringing forward real and positive change in Whitehill and Bordon, with high quality new homes and jobs that the area needs. We have never underestimated the scale of the task needed to make the most of the opportunity afforded when the MoD leaves the area. The progress we have made here demonstrates that we are taking the right steps towards achieving this ambition. There’s a lot of work that still needs to be done and we remain committed to bringing forward these exciting and transformational plans for the area.”
Cllr Richard Millard, East Hampshire District Council's Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Commercial Contracts, said: "This is the second major planning application to be approved as part of the town's regeneration and it shows just how far this project has progressed over the last few months. This scheme will radically transform the former Army barracks into a thriving community with 500 much-needed homes and jobs, and contribute significantly to a ‘step change’ in the lives of everyone in Whitehill and Bordon. It is a really exciting time for Whitehill and Bordon residents and I can't wait to see work starting on the site."
The latest approval from councillors comes after plans for 100 new homes and employment space at the former Quebec Barracks were backed by East Hampshire District Council in July.
The approval is subject to completion of a legal agreement which will confirm delivery of contributions towards additional benefits including schools, sport, leisure and open space, transport and community facilities. A development partner for Louisburg will be selected by the HCA before the end of the year.