The announcement by the Council in respect to the Camrose housing development was not a surprise. Through leaked documents we were already aware. My thoughts are this. Eight years ago our objective was that the Camrose ground needed to be restored or a one for one replacement provided by the two co-owners Basingstoke council and Basron (Rafi Razzak and Malcolm McPhail). Our view has not changed since.
In 1948 Lord Camrose provided a piece of land on Winchester Road to enable football and sports to be played there. This was in recognition of the considerable effort and sacrifice made by the people of Basingstoke in World War 2. In all but name the Camrose is a War Memororial Ground and should be treated as such.
READ MORE: New houses planned as Camrose football ground sold to SNG
However, to me, the bigger scandal is the case of very little representation from the democratic process in Basingstoke. Not enough councillors or MPs throughout have thought it appropriate to try and represent the people of the town.
This should be investigated. Everything has been left to either the Gazette or ordinary members of the public. Even the football club are reluctant to fight for the Camrose or replacement. They must know HFA Winklebury is not the FA Step 1 or 2 the Camrose ground was.
A totally shambolic Public Inquiry supported team Razzak. The council and the planning inspector still refuse to release the video of a shameful Public Inquiry which we could use in evidence.
Basingstoke council had a clear choice as co-owner of the Camrose. Respect the wishes of Lord Camrose and the people of the town or bow to Rafi Razzak. They chose the latter.
Now we have two, potentially three, planning applications for the Camrose.
1. SNG-RAZZAK
2. Council-owned portion and potentially HFA Winklebury. When the Councillors vote they should reflect what they are voting for. Lord Camrose and his wife’s values or Rafi Razzak values. If either of the first two planning applications are turned down then it must surely go to the High Court to get a verdict with recommendations that we can all accept.
David GrahamKempshott , Basingstoke
Send letters by email to newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk or by post to Editor, Basingstoke Gazette, Absolutely Offices, Lutyens Cl, Lychpit, Basingstoke RG24 8AG. All letters and emails must include full names and addresses (anonymous letters will not be published), although these details may be withheld from publication, on request. Letters of 300 words or less will be given priority, although all are subject to editing for reasons of clarity, space, or legal requirements. We reserve the right to edit letters.