PLANS for a new development of 14 ‘much-needed’ affordable apartments available for rent have been submitted to East Hampshire planners by Grayshott and District Housing Association.

Permission is sought to demolish four existing flats and two semi-detached houses in Crossways Road – Western Lodge, Bidston and Penton – in order to provide more affordable housing for the village, both for the 11 existing tenants and new occupants.

The association said it had taken action because the existing buildings are now becoming too costly to maintain and do not meet current construction or space standards.

The scheme has been designed to make the best use of the land it owns to provide high quality affordable homes for rent to local people.

The development of 14 one and two-bedroom flats will incorporate amenity spaces, car parking and cycle storage.

A community consultation was carried out for existing housing association tenants and villagers and no objections were raised.

In a supporting statement, the association urged the plan was accepted as it would enable an improved standard of accommodation to be offered to existing residents living on the site, as well as providing additional small homes to provide more appropriate accommodation to suit current and future housing needs.

If the scheme is approved it will be delivered in three phases.

The first will provide accommodation suitable for the existing residents of Western Lodge while the second will seee Western Lodge replaced by new purpose-built flats and provide the opportunity to relocate residents of Penton and Bidston.

Finally, the third phase will replace Penton and Bidston with new purpose-built flats, as well as residents parking and amenities.

The design concept is for a central landscaped space, surrounded by the new buildings, to create a communal outdoor space with pedestrian routes through it from Crossways Road.

Housing association chairman Jan Gale (pictured) said. “We are excited to announce the planning application for a new development on Crossways Road has now been submitted.

“This will create 14 modern, one and two-bed flats with communal gardens and parking.

“Uniquely, these will be available for the affordable rental market within the community of Grayshott village in keeping with our aims and objectives.

“Following a consultation in November with all of the association’s tenants, and especially those who will be affected, it remains paramount no-one will lose their home as a result of the development, and the association will be in a stronger position to offer better and more suitable accommodation for our current residents.

“The creation of these extra homes for rent fulfils an imperative need within the village.

“While the development will be outside the conservation area, the association is mindful of its proximity to the village and will build the homes with sensitivity to the traditions in our community.”