THERE'S still time for people to have their say on the draft plan that will guide development and planning decisions in Basingstoke and Deane until 2040.

As previously reported, eight sites have been earmarked for major development by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Government calculations suggest as many as 17,820 new homes need to be built in the borough by the end of 2039.

The plan includes a ‘stepped trajectory’ approach, put forward by the council's new administration, which will see the current government figure of building 850 homes a year, reduced to under 700 a year from 2025 for the first five years of the plan.

Basingstoke Gazette: Left Peter Mason and right Eric and Gylanda Thompson

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Residents can now have their say on the plans as a public consultation is under way and will run until Monday, March 4. This includes where homes, and other types of development, will be built and how the environment can be protected.

Cabinet member for strategic planning and infrastructure Cllr Andy Konieczko said: “We have worked hard to develop this draft plan and its planning policies with valuable input from our councillors, parish and town councils, and some residents and community groups. But now it is vital that we share our draft plan with all residents and get their feedback.  

“Taking decisions about where development, including new homes, should go is never easy. But it is crucial that we hear, and listen to, as many views as possible in making those decisions. The people who live here need to play their part in shaping the plan, so that it reflects the place we want the borough to be and plays the strongest possible role in protecting the environment, tackling climate change and nurturing biodiversity.  

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“It’s been great to see lots of people attending the drop-in sessions and getting in touch, there’s still time to view the information online, at a local library or the council offices and give your views.  It is very much a draft plan and there is a lot more work that needs to happen before we get close to a final, approved set of documents. The comments will help us in putting together the next draft of the Local Plan later in the year.”

Views can be given online, by email or in writing and people can find out about the plan and its polices, together with other documents including an infrastructure delivery plan, at basingstoke.gov.uk/LPU-have-your-say.

A series of information events have already taken place and these were well attended by people wanting to view the plans and speak with officers. An online event to provide information on the draft plan’s approach to climate change has also been held.