Wella House, Basingstoke: Nine flats proposed in extension

The proposal aims to construct nine additional flats, comprising five one-bedroom and four two-bedroom, towards the north-east elevation of the building.

The extension plan includes provisions for associated car parking, a bin store, cycle parking, relocation of an existing bin store, and a reconfiguration of part of the existing car park.

The proposal aims to construct nine additional flats towards the north-east elevation of the building (Image: Newsquest)

Eleven car parking spaces have been designated for the new flats, with nine located adjacent to the extension on the side and frontage of the building. Two more spaces are proposed at the south-west edge through the reconfiguration of the existing car park.

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Despite these plans, objections have poured in from concerned neighbours, particularly residents of the Park Heights block.

Common grievances include issues related to parking, potential traffic congestion, removal of green space, privacy concerns, and noise pollution during the construction stage.

The Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's planning portal has received a total of 32 public comments, and all 32 express objection to the proposed extension.

The main four-storey Wella block was originally established in 1961, primarily for office use. The offices were vacated in 2011.

In May 2014 the block was converted from offices to residential use.

Subsequently, planning permission was granted in December 2016 for a three-storey block providing 70 new flats. The building is now complete and occupied as Park Heights.

Previously, in August 2014, a prior approval application was submitted for the conversion of the ancillary canteen and garage buildings on the application site to residential use for approximately 12 units. This was approved in October 2014.

Following this approval and a pre-application consultation with officers, a planning application was submitted for a three-storey residential block for 70 flats. This was approved in December 2016.

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In December 2020, a planning application was submitted for a three-storey detached block to provide nine new flats.

However, the applicant was given no option but to accept a refusal notice or withdraw the planning application due to concerns about frontage car parking, and in particular the Marbaix House site opposite the application site.

Hence, the application was withdrawn in February 2022.