Local councillors unite to support masterplan process

Leading local councillors have united to support Whitehill Bordon’s masterplan process and they are urging the town’s residents to have their say.

Cllr David Parkinson, leader of EHDC, Cllr Adam Carew, shadow cabinet portfolio holder for environment, Cllr Elizabeth Cartwright, portfolio holder for housing and climate change, Cllr Ian Dowdle, Cllr Bill Wain, Mayor of the town, Cllr Chris Wain, chair of the biodiversity policy advisory group, Cllr Zoya Faddy, shadow cabinet portfolio holder for development policy, and Cllr Tony Muldoon met last night to discuss the key priorities of the masterplan.

They are now confident that these issues, including transport, leisure facilities and green infrastructure are all being addressed and that over the coming months the masterplan will be refined and developed in response to residents’ and councillors’ comments and will ultimately form a framework for the future growth of the town.

All the councillors want to reassure local residents that this masterplan isn’t the final product but is the ongoing process towards the overall vision.

Every new building will be subject to the usual planning permission and there will be a chance for residents to comment on each individual application – in the normal way.

Cllr Parkinson said: “This masterplan process has cross party support and that is because we believe it offers the best possible future for the town and its residents.

“It has the backing of town, district and county councillors but most importantly we now need to know what local residents think.”

Cllr Carew said: “We had a very positive meeting and we have agreed that local concerns will be addressed.

“I fully support the masterplan process as the best way to prevent piecemeal development and to provide badly needed facilities and infrastructure for the town while also protecting our green spaces.

“The key thing now is to get local residents to tell us what they think about it.”

Cll Ian Dowdle: “It is vital that local residents, including those from surrounding parishes, involve themselves in the process and let us know their views.”

If you would like to have your say about the masterplan then your comments must be received by 24th December – but if you want to be in with a chance of winning £500 then your postcard (or online questionnaire) must reach the council by 11th December. The prize will be drawn on Saturday 12 December at Whitehill Bordon’s Christmas Festival.

Postcards will be available at the Forest Community Centre.

Please send your postcards to Whitehill Bordon Consultation, East Hampshire District Council, Penns Place, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU31 4BR.

You can complete an online questionnaire at www.whitehillbordon.com