PLANS to build office blocks on a greenfield site in Mapledurwell could get the go-ahead this week.

Basingstoke council's development and control committee will consider outline planning permission for Bewley Homes Plc to build four office blocks on land surrounding and opposite The Hollies, in Greywell Road, which is close to sites of special scientific interest.

Borough councillor Alan Read, who is also chairman of Countrywatch, is disappointed that planning officers have recommended approval despite the environmentally sensitive nature of the area, which is to the north of the Lyde River and a Site of Importance to Nature Conservation.

The Mapledurwell Fen Site of Special Scientific Interest is also close by.

Cllr Read said the development is outside the settlement boundary and is not allocated for development in the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan.

He said: "The proposal, if granted, will be a departure and will need the consent of the Secretary of State."

He said new government guidelines seek to avoid development on greenfield sites and advises planning authorities to use a sequential approach, allocating such sites only after brownfield sites have been given up.

"Granting the application would be a contradiction of government guidelines," said Cllr Read.

He said: "Council officers believe the development can be carried out without affecting the SINC and SSSI areas. I am not convinced of that."

Mapledurwell Parish Council have also objected to the plan, worried about increased traffic through the village and the "sheer size of the development". Old Basing Parish Council has also objected.