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House conversions denied

NEIGHBOURHOODS in some parts of Basingstoke are changing out of recognition as more family homes are divided into flats.

That was the claim of some councillors on Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's development control committee, who unanimously rejected planning permission for seven house conversions.

Two of the applications turned down were retrospective, meaning the landlords could be forced to reverse their conversion work - making any tenants living there homeless.

The impact on the character of traditionally close-knit family neighbourhoods was the main reason given for knocking back the conversion plans at homes in Winklebury, Buckskin, South Ham and Popley. Parking problems and noise issues were also cited as reasons for refusal.

The growing number of people moving to work and live in Basingstoke for the short term is thought to be behind the surge in sub-dividing.

Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Paul Harvey said the conversion epidemic needed to be tackled once and for all.

He said: "It's not just the residents of these areas that are being affected. The people living in the buildings are being exploited."

Cllr Jane Frankum said most people moving into the house conversions were not families.

She said: "It's radically changing these areas."

Permission for house sub-dividing used to lie with council officers but, because of the sheer numbers of applications, the full council handed responsibility to councillors on the development control committee.

12:17pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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Posted by: BonzoDog, local on 4:45pm Thu 15 May 08
We need family homes with gardens to house the families who are temporarily housed in bed and breakfast, probably in Slough or worse.
I was there a few years ago so I know the pain they are going through, and it's no fun I can promise you!
Posted by: Billy Nomates, Basingstoke on 6:14pm Thu 15 May 08
Then why don't you give your one away Bonzo as it is only you living in it ;-)
Posted by: David, Chineham on 7:22pm Thu 15 May 08
If you want to build family housing, you can't cheat. You have to build suburban housing.
Posted by: Picket Dewfury, Basingstoke on 7:36pm Thu 15 May 08
There is plenty of space between Kempshott and Oakley - Bring on the building!
Posted by: Jo Walke on 8:34pm Thu 15 May 08
I really dont know what the council expected - how many of these applications have been made with assistance of the grants B & D have advertised for such conversions?
with the rise in property prices splitting a house into two would make sense to those wanting to make easy money!!
Lets not forget - 18 months ago conservatives promoted conversions as a way to house more people
http://www.basingsto
ke.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyr
es/F7478AD5-C92F-415
4-BC5B-E55545D15664/
0/BDBCTodayWinter200
6.pdf
How many of these refusals will be appealled??
Posted by: Billy Nomates, Basingstoke on 7:09am Fri 16 May 08
It may or may not be a good idea but when you consider a 3 bedroom house can accommodate six, eight or ten students or migrant workers - turning them into flats can make sense. Especially when local trolls and troublemakers jump up and down about anything being built anywhere.

The fact people make a profit from it is neither here or there. Do you go to work for nothing?

Have you not already said the same thing elsewhere on this website with just the usual troll(s) patting you on the back for it? - in fact I'm sure they will be along this morning to do it again...
Posted by: David, Chineham on 5:27pm Fri 16 May 08
I wasn't aware we had a problem with "trolls" in Basingstoke. Could you explain what you mean by them? I gather they seem to be people who hate change in the borough.
Posted by: Jo Walke on 8:09pm Fri 16 May 08
living up to the name again then Nomates!
I dont actually post for a 'pat on the back' and yep I've mentioned this before - nothing wrong in re-stressing a point! particularly as this gazette report is strikingly similar to the last on the subject.
Sharing a 'house' would also make sense for those groups you mentioned!
Building in Basingstoke does need to move from these smaller dwellings to ones that can accomodate a family - where and how this takes place is of great interest & debate to a lot of people.
Posted by: Billy Nomates, Basingstoke on 9:36pm Fri 16 May 08
David, you will find google can help you where you knowledge fails. A 'troll' is not one that hates change if you look into it. The phrase was born from Usenet some moons ago.

Jo, feel free to repeat yourself as long as you don't mind when I point it out I am cool with that ;-)
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