THE first local plan to cover the entire South Downs National Park has been submitted to the Government.

The plan will have implications for development in the National Park boundary, which borders Whitehill and Bordon. The border runs south of Liphook Road, putting much of Whitehill in the park, as well as Greatham, Selborne, Blackmoor and most of Oakhanger.

Margaret Paren, chairman of the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “The South Downs Local Plan puts our nationally important landscapes first and will ensure they sit at the heart of every planning decision we make.”

Most of the development associated with Whitehill and Bordon’s regeneration will take place in the town - outside the National Park boundaries. Works which creep over the line have already secured planning permission.

James Child, the Regeneration Company’s project lead, said: “The Regeneration Company is working closely with the district council, local stakeholders and the community to bring forward the regeneration of the former Bordon Garrison site to secure the delivery of new homes and employment opportunities. The regeneration of Prince Philip Barracks will be a key component in this transition alongside other developments in the town, including Louisburg Barracks and Quebec Barracks. The Prince Philip Barracks site will comprise the creation of a new mixed-use town centre and will contribute to the delivery of more than 4,000 new homes and approximately 5,500 new jobs.

“The development is predominantly outside the National Park. But the southern roundabout, at the entrance to the new relief road, lies in the National Park boundary.

“Release of this area of land was discussed and fully agreed with the National Park Authority and was subject to detailed planning conditions regarding the delivery of new landscaping, tree planting and environmental management.

“These plans are now under construction and due to be completed in the next few months.”

In a statement, the National Park Authority added: “The next step will be the appointment of a (Government) inspector to examine the plan. The inspector will then set questions to be answered by the authority and other interested parties on the plan. All outstanding queries will be dealt with at public hearings, expected to be held at the South Downs Centre in Midhurst. The date will be confirmed by the inspector.”

Some plan details have proved controversial, including earmarked sites in Greatham for a traveller caravan park and 40 homes in Petersfield Road.

* It can be seen online at www.southdowns.gov.uk/localplan.