A MAYOR has given his seal of approval to two new neighbourhood plans

At a special reception on Tuesday last week, Basingstoke and Deane mayor Councillor Seán Keating met representatives of the Old Basing and Lychpit, and Kingsclere communities.

The mayor congratulated them on their dedication in engaging their communities in shaping the future of their areas by formulating neighbourhood plans.

Cllr Keating said: “My congratulations to everybody in Old Basing and Lychpit, and in Kingsclere, who have been involved in the process to bring these neighbourhood plans to fruition.”

“A great deal of hard work has been undertaken over recent years by the local communities in order to get the plans adopted.”

The Old Basing and Lychpit Neighbourhood Plan was drawn up by local people and adopted by the council after a referendum on Thursday, 7 June. The turnout of electors was 21%. Of those who voted, 86% were in favour of the plan.

The Kingsclere Neighbourhood Plan was adopted after a referendum on Thursday, 6 September. The turnout of electors was 31%. Of those who voted, 86% were in favour of the plan.

Other neighbourhood plans currently underway include Wootton St Lawrence and North Waltham.