Pic: Basingstoke Town FC
BASINGSTOKE TOWN'S hopes of moving into a new £10million stadium have been dashed after councillors refused planning permission.
The National League South side had planned to build the 5,000 capacity stadium plus a training facility at the town's Old Common.
Opposition had raised concerns about the loss of open space and the affect on wildlife and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council concluded that there was a “lot of use” of the land.
During a debate on Tuesday evening the council voted to “advise BTFC that there is no available or appropriate land in the council's ownership for relocation of the stadium and bring a halt to the current consideration of Old Common, whilst confirming support for BTFC at its current location”.
Plans for a new stadium on the proposed land were first revealed in December 2011 but after a drawn-out process, they have now been shelved
It means the ambitious Dragons will have to remain at their current Camrose home, with the club understandably disappointed.
Chairman Rafi Razzak said: “I am extremely disappointed at the decision, having spent so many years believing the council wanted this to happen and working alongside us to achieve what we thought were joint aims. I have supported and backed the club for many years and will continue to do so whilst reflecting on this decision.”
A club statement added: “Councillors who had objected were part of cross party meetings last year who also failed to agree on any other site in the borough to enable a new stadium to be built.
“They have decided they do not think a new stadium built at no cost to the taxpayer is required and the council now are of the view there is no suitable land available and encourage the club to remain at the Camrose.
“The club quite clearly are dumbfounded and dismayed at this decision and feel money and time has been wasted by the club as it appears that councillors have used politics to reach this conclusion, without thinking of the wider benefits to the town.
“Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council will surely go down as one of the first councils in the country to turn down an excellent opportunity to have a new facility.”
