Time to have a say on Test Valley's latest Local Plan
The document sets out planning policies for the next 15 years
Last updated 7th Feb 2024
An eight week public consultation's begun, for us to have a say on possible future development across the Test Valley.
The Borough Council's draft Local Plan has already been approved by councillors, but residents can now give their feedback.
The document sets out planning policies and principles through until 2040, including which land should be earmarked for housing or for employment uses, while also conserving and enhancing the local environment and heritage.
Anyone can comment on to Test Valley Borough Council on the Plan, through an online survey, by email or by writing to the authority.
Printed copies are available at the council offices and libraries.
A number of drop-in sessions have been arranged, to discuss the proposals, at the following locations and times:
• Abbotswood Community Centre, Romsey, on Tuesday 20 February from 3.30pm to 7.00pm
• Picket Twenty Sports Pavilion, Andover, on Monday 26 February from 3.00pm to 7.00pm
• Valley Park Community Centre on Wednesday 28 February from 3.00pm to 7.00pm
• Memorial Hall, Ludgershall, on Monday 4 March from 3.00pm to 7.00pm
• Crosfield Annexe, Romsey, on Tuesday 5 March from 3.00pm to 7.00pm
• North Baddesley Village Hall on Saturday 9 March from10.00am to 1.00pm
• The Guildhall, Andover, on Tuesday 12 March from 3.00pm to 7.00pm
• Nursling and Rownhams Village Hall on Wednesday 13 March from 3.00pm to 7.00pm
Leader of the Council, Phil North, said:
“Producing a new Local Plan always includes very tough decisions – balancing the need for new homes, including affordable homes, with the impact those decisions will have on existing residents’ lives. Ultimately, though, we are required by central government to provide sites for 11,000 new dwellings across the borough by 2040. If we don’t, there is a huge risk of developers getting permission for speculative plans, which are unlikely to include the significant amount of new infrastructure we are demanding through the Local Plan process.
“I’m sure there will be strong views on this and I’m looking forward to hearing them as part of the public consultation process. This will enable us to take on board public comment and potentially reshape the plan before a final draft is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.”
Councillor Phil Bundy, Cabinet Member for Planning and Building, said:
“This draft version of the new Local Plan is the product of detailed analysis of the issues faced by the communities within Test Valley, as well as several rounds of formal consultation, and as such reflects the views of a wide range stakeholders and residents. We’re now keen to hear the views of as many residents as possible and I’d encourage everyone to find out more and have your say.”
The consultation ends on 2nd April 2024, when comments will be considered and a final draft version of the plan will be created.
That will need approval from the Full Council, before it's submitted to the Secretary of State for assessment.
Once adopted, it will replace the existing plan for 2011 – 2029.