HAMPSHIRE police warn that plans for a new M3 service station in Basingstoke could cause a hike in crime and anti-social behaviour.

Three years ago, a planning application was submitted to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to build a 100-room hotel, a drive-thru Costa Coffee, petrol station and a shop on agricultural land to the south of junction 6 of the M3.

The applicant, Moto Hospitality, states that the proposal will create 215 permanent jobs, as well as more in the construction phase of the project.

The planning application was met with concerns from Hampshire Constabulary, who highlighted the lack of security of the land adjacent to junction 6 of the M3.

The letter read: “The site is enclosed with a stock proof post and rail fence, this is not a security fence the implication of this being, that the site will not be secure.

“Such a boundary treatment increases the opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour by allowing access to and egress from the site by other than the approved route.

“To reduce the opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour a secure boundary treatment should be provided.”

Old Basing Parish and Lychpit Parish Council have also objected to the plans, as initially stated on November 13, 2017.

They consider the proposed services “not necessary”, being a short distance from the existing Fleet service area.

The development will disrupt the “quiet unspoilt rural character” to the south of the M3.

It is also near the Grade 1 Hackwood Park, a well-managed historic park area of significant conservation value.

You can have your say on the planning application by going to https://planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications/ and search for the planning reference code 17/03487/FUL.

Comments must reach Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council by May 20, 2020.