LEADERS of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hampshire County Council have signed a pledge to make Manydown a well-designed a place to be proud of.

Borough council leader Cllr Clive Sanders met with county council leader Cllr Roy Perry to sign a document formalising the two councils’ commitment to work in partnership, creating a new community to live which brings benefits to all of Basingstoke and Deane.

As joint owners of a 999-year lease on the land, the councils are currently consulting on a masterplan for the development and this sign of commitment is a joint collaboration for arrangements on the proposed development.

Cllr Sanders said: “This is an important partnership that will deliver much-needed homes for the borough at Manydown.

“It must be developed in a way that creates a community where any of us would be proud to live, where people can get their foot on the housing ladder and then see their aspirations realised to climb up that ladder as their family circumstances progress.

“Then as they enter the later years of their life, to also make it possible to find somewhere where they can adjust their way of living to reflect their changing needs without moving away from family and friends.”

He added: “This is a joint and formal commitment by both councils to continuing to work in an effective partnership to take positive action together to making this aspirational vision for Manydown a reality.”

As previously reported, the borough council is running a series of drop-in sessions for further consultation on the project so residents can have their say.

Cllr Perry said: “As joint landowner, we’re dedicated to the success of this development which will reflect the great character of Hampshire as a place to live, work and thrive.

“Manydown has the potential to be a wonderful new community for Basingstoke, offering high quality, and accessible homes for local people with access to good infrastructure and community facilities.”

The current consultation on the Manydown master plan runs until October 13, for more information visit many downbasingstoke.co.uk.