MORE than 100 people spent an evening debating a range of issues on housing policy.

Held at St Mary’s Bourne Village Centre in Whitchurch, the debate was chaired by North West Hampshire MP and housing minister Kit Malthouse on Friday.

Mr Malthouse was joined by members of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE Hampshire) with guests from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT).

During the two-hour debate, residents raised issues from planning reform to beauty in design.

Mr Malthouse said: “The Government is making incredible progress with housing, we’re building more homes than any government in decades - 222,190 last year, while keeping local people in control, ensuring we build the homes of the right type, in the right place and at the right time.

“Which is why it was fantastic chairing a debate on housing policy in my own constituency, especially with such an experienced panel made up of the CPRE Hampshire and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

“Well over a hundred people came along, and seeing my own constituents engage so passionately with more, better, faster was a joy for me as housing minster. Hearing the thoughts of passionate citizens certainly gave me ideas that I will strongly consider in future policy.”