THE leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has said he is disappointed at the decision to turn IBM's former Basingstoke HQ into more than 100 flats.

As previously reported in the Gazette a judge ruling was made to allow Normandy House, in Alencon Link to be redeveloped into living accommodation, despite the borough council wanting to keep it as office space.

The computer giants 76,000 square foot former headquarters has stood empty since the computer giant's departure in 2013.

The borough council, which owns the building's freehold, pointed to a clause in the original 1985 lease which restricted its use to offices only.

But now, at Shaviram, who purchased the 150-year lease from IBM for £5.25 million., have gad the restrictions imposed lifted by Judge Francis.

However, leader of the borough council, councillor Ken Rhatigan said the ruling has taken key part of the borough regeneration plans away.

Cllr Rhatigan said: ““We are disappointed with the judgement as we believe Normandy House provides us with a key opportunity as part of our regeneration of Basing View and our masterplan for Basing View sets out a vision to maintain a strong office presence in this area.

“We are now considering the judgement and looking at the options available to us.”

He added: “To protect the borough’s future economic wellbeing and to attract investment, the council is proposing to remove permitted development rights for the change of use of buildings from commercial to residential through an Article 4 Direction at Basing View, Chineham Business Park and Hampshire International Business Park.

“This is due to a number of concerns on the quality of homes provided and the impact on the business character of our borough’s best employment areas. This will mean planning permission will be needed to change the use of buildings in these areas.”

During the tribunal judge Francis said he rejected the council's argument that retaining Normandy House as offices was vital to the "economic wellbeing of Basingstoke."

The judge modified the clause in the lease, enabling the conversion of the building into flats.