EHDC launches

Local Plan consultation

Residents have the chance to shape the future of their neighbourhoods as East Hampshire District Council launches a public consultation on its Local Plan.

The Local Plan sets out rules and policies for development in parts of East Hampshire outside the South Downs National Park.

The six-week consultation period will begin on Tuesday 5 February and will give residents the chance to comment on policies covering housing, employment, infrastructure and the environment.

Ten drop-in sessions are being planned around the district where residents will be able to talk to experts and find out more about the proposals. Residents can then submit comments online using the council’s website.

Cllr Angela Glass, EHDC’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: “This is your Local Plan and your chance to have a say.

“The plan will have a far-reaching influence on the parts of the district it covers for the next 15 years or more.

“The plan covers where homes can be built, how jobs can be created, how the environment can be protected and how our infrastructure can be improved.

“It’s so important that people get involved at this stage. Don’t wait to speak out until something affects you, do it now.”

The plan only covers areas in East Hampshire outside the South Downs National Park – less than half the district. This includes Alton and the surrounding area as well as Whitehill & Bordon and the southern parishes of Horndean, Clanfield and Rowlands Castle. The drop-in sessions will all be held in those areas.

Information will also be available on the best way to try to make changes to the plan.

How to make your comment count:

Try to make sure your comment includes new facts or information that has not already been taken into account by the planning team.

Submitting multiple copies of a letter will not add extra strength to the points it makes. If the comment is relevant it does not matter how many times it is repeated.

Try to refer to the relevant policy number so the planning team can match your comment to the right part of the plan.

Concentrate on planning issues – local knowledge is invaluable but non-planning issues, such as disruption during construction or local property prices cannot be taken into account.

Don’t be afraid to say yes to anything you agree with. If someone else objects and there is no evidence of public support, it could be changed.

The drop-in sessions:

Ropley – Ropley Parish Hall, Tuesday 5 February, 3.30-8.30pm

Alton – Maltings Centre, Saturday 9 February, 10am-2pm !!!!!!!!!

Horndean – Barton Hall, Wednesday 13 February, 3.30-8.30pm

Bentley – Bentley Village Hall, Friday 15 February, 3.30-8.30pm

Horndean – Barton Hall, Saturday 23 February, 10am-2pm

Rowlands Castle – Rowlands Castle Parish Hall, Monday 25 February, 3.30-8.30pm

Whitehill & Bordon – Forest Community Centre, Thursday 28 February, 3.30-8.30pm

Liphook – Millennium Centre, Wednesday 6 March, 3.30-8.30pm

Four Marks and Medstead – Medstead Village Hall, Friday 8 March, 3.30-8.30pm

Alton – Maltings Centre, Friday 15 March, 3.30-8.30pm

ENDS