A VILLAGE hall could be getting an extended parking area if planning permission for new homes is granted.

An application submitted to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council outlines a plan to demolish an existing caretaker’s cottage at the Andover Road Village Hall, in Station Road, Oakley.

If given the green light, this would make way for 15 new houses on the cottage site and nearby land as well as increased parking facilities for the hall.

At present, there is an informal parking area adjacent to the village hall and cottage for approximately 10 vehicles and this application is to formalise and increase this arrangement to provide 23 parking spaces for users of the village hall, and the adjacent allotments which also forms part of the plan.

A planning statement prepared by the applicant, the trustees of the Malshanger Settled Estate, read: “The proposal will perform an important social role by providing much-needed housing in the borough.

“Units, and the illustrative development proposed, shows that approximately 90 per cent of the proposed dwellings will be smaller (less than four bed) properties, of which less than 50 per cent will be two- bed properties.

“The proposal will include the provision of 40 per cent of the units to be affordable, thereby creating much needed affordable housing as well.”

The planning statement adds: “The proposal also includes the provision of car parking for the village hall to provide its users with safe and convenient parking arrangements.

“This will modernise the important facility in a way that benefits the local community.”

As well as providing affordable housing and parking, the proposal states that it will provide travel and transport infrastructure, leisure provision and open space.

For more information go to planning.basingstoke.gov.uk and search for 18/02521/OUT.