A CONFIDENTIAL meeting behind closed doors was due to take place last night to discuss a response to plans to dig up Petersfield's rugby and football pitches for housing.

Petersfield town councillors were expected to come up with a response to the proposal for Penns Farm sports field and its inclusion in the next long-term blueprint for the town.

The latest proposals, which have thrown doubt on the future of the area of Penns Place, including Petersfield Rugby Club and East Hampshire District Council's headquarters, could see at least 400 homes on the site in the years to come.

East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) released an emergency statement a fortnight ago that categorically denied the area was included in its long-term house-building plans.

But confusion reigns as Jennifer Grey, EHDC's portfolio holder for the South Downs National Park and housing, announced that housing on Penns Place "would answer all our prayers".

For full story, see this week's Herald.