Industrial site on farmland could create 4,500 jobs

A large area of farmland could be turned into an industrial estate next to a motorway.

A developer said it hopes to build the 200 hectare logistics hub next to the M3 near Basingstoke in Hampshire.

West Farm Popham Limited is inviting local people to have their say on the proposals that includes the creation of 4,500 jobs.

It would be close to the town's planned new hospital and eight warehouses recently approved at Oakdown Farm.

The company said it wants to reduce the number of HGV lorries passing through Basingstoke by using the M3.

Other proposals for Popham Logistics Park include a bus route connecting the site to the town centre and Micheldever Station.

Solar panels and battery storage are being installed to generate renewable energy for the logistics park to use.

A community hub including sports facilities, a nursery and youth activities are also being proposed.

Developers say about 100 hectares of the site will be dedicated to green space and habitat creation to offset the carbon footprint.

A spokesperson for West Popham Limited said: "We are pleased to share our initial proposals.

"This well-contained and unconstrained triangular site covers around 200 hectares and sits in a regionally strategic location between the Ports of Southampton and Portsmouth on the key corridors to London and the Midlands.

"Our proposals will meet established unmet demand from national and regional logistics operators and will support thousands of local jobs.

A formal planning application has not yet been submitted but members of the public have until 21 July to have their say on the plans.

You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X, or Instagram.