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Borough recruits after upsurge in neighbourhood plan activity

Written by: Jez Abbott
Published on: 21 Jul 2014
Category:

Basingstoke skyline

An increase in neighbourhood planning activity in its area has prompted Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council to take on a new senior planning policy officer.

Planning policy and infrastructure manager Andrew Hunter told Planning: “We have 10 to 12 neighbourhood plans under way, which is resource hungry and we need more support.

“We have 10 plans while two more have applied to become neighbourhood areas and we will work with communities to develop these plans.

“Our team will help them with procedural processes and give them advice on other aspects such as taking things to a referendum.”

Hunter added: “We are also hoping to take our local plan through examination towards the end of this year.

“Basingstoke is looking to build 13,000 houses on several sites, from ones with 100 homes to others with 3,500. We will take the plan through to examination then look to adopt it and take it forward.”

The borough covers a diverse area, from the large town of Basingstoke itself to a network of smaller towns and villages that sit within a rural environment including an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

“The new post holder will play a key role in progressing the Local Plan to adoption, taking ownership of specific policy areas and preparing supporting evidence,” said Hunter.

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