East Hampshire District Council's updated Local Plan has identified a new site near Alton for a large development.
Following extensive site assessment work and the Large Site Consultation, held at the end of 2019, the council considers Chawton Park Farm, west of Alton, as the most sustainable area to develop, with links to Alton’s transport infrastructure, services and facilities.
EHDC’s Planning Policy Committee will discuss the proposal to allocate up to 1,200 homes on the site at its next meeting on 6 July.
The updated plan has also suggested a reduction in homes planned for Whitehill & Bordon, from 1,300 to approximately 800 homes following concerns over local biodiversity.
EHDC’s Local Plan is a key document that sets out the priorities and policies for development in the district. It shows the opportunities for development in the area, and states what development will be permitted and where.
Due to delays imposed by coronavirus restrictions and proposed national changes to planning policies the lifetime of the Local Plan has been extended from 2036 to 2038.
The new plan will only cover the areas in East Hampshire outside the South Downs National Park and, once it has been adopted, it will replace the Joint Core Strategy (part of the Adopted Local Plan).
In total it must provide for the development of at least 11,000 homes, including homes already built or given permission from 2017 onwards, a target set out by the Government.
Cllr Angela Glass, Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy, said: “Our Local Plan must meet the housing figures laid down by the Government and that means finding areas for large developments.
“The Large Sites Consultation looked at ten possible locations for development and our research shows Whitehill & Bordon and Chawton Park Farm are the most sustainable areas to develop.
“Chawton Park Farm’s suitability rests largely on its proximity to Alton and the availability of important local amenities and transport infrastructure.
“The site will also bring forward infrastructure of its own to support the new population, including a new primary school, community facilities and affordable housing.
“It is important to remember that East Hampshire suffers from an acute shortage of affordable housing and it is important for the continued health and diversity of our communities that this is addressed by the Local Plan.”
Find out more about the Local Plan Spatial Strategy Preferred Option to be discussed at the Planning Policy Committee on 6 July.
ENDS
Timetable
6 July - Planning Policy Committee discusses the plan
29 July – Considered by Full Council
End of 2021 - Planning Policy Team conducts further work on the proposed sites and policies
April 2022 - Six-week consultation
End of 2022 - Local Plan examination process