Hospital land purchase announced – seeking clarity on the site

There has been an announcement today that land has been purchased to secure an option for the future new hospital for Hampshire Hospitals.

You can read the announcement here.

While the announcement confirms that land has been secured, it is not yet clear exactly what land has been purchased.

The map published alongside the announcement – including the version reported in the local press – shows only a general pointer near Junction 7 of the M3. It does not clearly show the boundaries of the site or the precise location of the land involved.

Given the level of interest in the hospital across our area, it would be helpful for local communities to have a clearer understanding of where the site is.

Earlier this year, during the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Draft Local Plan consultation, many residents raised concerns about the location shown for the hospital and health campus. In particular, the consultation documents suggested a location further away from Junction 7 than the site that had previously been discussed in earlier plans.

Because of this, understanding how the newly purchased land relates to those previously discussed locations will be important for local communities.

Today I have written to Sue Harriman, Chief Executive of Hampshire Hospitals, Luke Murphy MP, and Councillor Paul Harvey, Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, asking if they can clarify exactly which land has been purchased and whether a more detailed map can be shared.

As soon as I receive further information, I will share an update.