A FINAL rallying call has been made for residents to ‘vote yes’ in having no confidence in a parish council.

Ahead of today’s parish poll, residents in Odiham gathered at the All Saints Church on Tuesday, 1 May to hear from people campaigning for a vote of no confidence in Odiham Parish Council (OPC).

The meeting was held an hour before the annual parish assembly as the “yes group” said it was denied time to speak during the meeting itself.

The vote comes after concerns that OPC has not upheld the policies of the Neighbourhood Plan which was voted for by residents.

One of the sticking points has been the proposed development of the area known as the Deer Park, which received around 500 objections on the application, yet OPC told Hart District Council – the planning authority – that development of the site would benefit the wider community.

Speaking at the meeting, which was attended by more than 250 people, Charles Peal said: “The poll is the main event and we know that this is hugely important for residents.

“A yes vote will put democracy at the front of the issue and put pressure on future developers.”

During the poll, residents will have to answer the question: ‘Have you lost confidence in those parish councillors who did not uphold the policies of the Neighbourhood Plan when they failed to object to the Deer Park planning application?’

However, during the assembly, some residents said the question was convoluted and they could not give a simple yes or no answer.

Chair of OPC, Cllr Jon Hale said that the role of the parish council is as a consultee and do not approve any planning applications.

Cllr Hale said: “Our opinion on the application is focused on the public benefit. We cannot just follow what the loudest voice has to say.”

When asked about the nature of the poll question, Cllr Hale said the Neighbourhood Plan has its own polices and objectives and that is where confusion can lie.

He added: “The question is a little bit tricky and those asking the question should have gone with a more single-minded question.”

Polling stations will be open for the parish poll today between 4pm and 9pm.