THE transfer of a piece of land owned by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to allow for major road improvements has been approved.

At the meeting of the cabinet on Tuesday night, members agreed to hand over the 0.86 acres of land at the Camrose football ground owned by the council to allow for £18.6m improvements at the Brighton Hill Roundabout.

Survey work is currently being undertaken ahead of works to improve the busy roundabout.

The borough council-owned strip of land, which runs through the current home of Basingstoke Football Club, would help alleviate congestion and traffic flow through the area by creating a small new road near to Western Way.

Western Way would then be exit-only from the roundabout. with no entry, according to the proposal

However, the work will only be carried out if the football club’s relocation to a new site goes ahead.

Cabinet member for property and development, Councillor John Izett, said: “As a council we are working with Hampshire Highways by allocating this small piece of land at the Camrose.

“This scheme will have significant benefits to residents in Brighton Hill and the surrounding areas as it will reduce congestion.”

The £18.6 million project is led by Hampshire County Council.

Cllr Hannah Golding, cabinet member for digital innovation and inclusion and Brighton Hill North ward member said: “I am pleased that these proposals have come forward and understand that it will bring a significant improvement to our roads.

"It is not perfect, but it is a good improvement from the current situation.”

However, before approving the transfer of land, cabinet made it clear ensuring the football club stays in the town is a top priority.

Cabinet member for communities and community safety, Cllr Simon Bound added: “We have helped facilitate a future for keeping the football club here and making sure that football remains in Basingstoke.”