Help shape how the borough should be developed in the future

Residents, businesses, organisations and local interest groups are among those being encouraged to have their say on how the borough should be developed over the next 20 years.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is updating its Local Plan which sets out where different types of future development will take place, including new homes, business space and community facilities.

In May 2019 councillors agreed to start the process of updating the local plan, in line with national requirements to review plans every five years. This important planning document considers the borough’s changing needs and sets out how these will be met.
While the current plan has performed well against targets this is an opportunity to strengthen the plan in a number of key areas including tackling the climate emergency, creating places which protect and enhance biodiversity where people live and ensuring the right infrastructure is in place to support new homes. The new plan will cover the period up to at least 2038.

People have until Monday 9 November 2020 to have their say on the key issues identified by the council and the possible options for addressing them during a six week consultation.

Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and the Natural Environment Cllr Mark Ruffell said: "It is important that, even at this very early stage of updating the local plan, people who live and work in the borough give their thoughts on the important issues we need to consider when deciding how it is developed in the future. We need a strong framework in place that protects our borough and its environment from random development and creates the kind of place we want this to be.
“I encourage everyone to take the time to look through the issues and options we have identified and to put forward their views to help shape how the borough should be developed over the next 20 years.”

People can view the key issues and comment on possible options for addressing them at: www.basingstoke.gov.uk/Issues-and-Options

Paper copies can also be sent by calling 01256 844844.