THE Hindhead Together Partnership is planning a public forum at the Branksome Conference Centre, in Hindhead Road, Haslemere, on Thursday, November 29. The 'launch meeting' is to let local communities hear more about the role of the Hindhead Together Partnership and to outline the work that is underway in developing the vision and plans for the Hindhead area. The meeting is also a chance for local people to hear how they can get involved. Chairman of the Hindhead Together Partnership and deputy chairman of Natural England, Poul Christensen, said: "The Hindhead Together Partnership is working to make the most of the economic, social and environmental opportunities for the wider Hindhead area. "Amongst several priorities, it is vital that development is appropriate to the needs of local people and businesses, bringing this about while protecting and enhancing the Hindhead Commons Special Protection Area (SPA) and the wider Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). "This work includes developing a 'concept statement' for the area with a group of experts, the planning cooperative. "Concept statements were developed by the Countryside Agency, now Natural England, and are a tool to ensure that new development is correctly directed and brings appropriate economic, social and environmental benefits. "They are based on what local people and organisations think and will provide a framework for the more detailed planning process. We will be involving local people, businesses and local organisations in developing this concept statement for the Hindhead area." The Hindhead Together Partnership is a joint advisory committee which will work together to optimise the community, economic, landscape and ecological benefits arising from the construction of the A3 Hindhead tunnel scheme. Core members represent Natural England, the National Trust, South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), the Highways Agency, Surrey County Council, Waverley Borough Council and Haslemere Town Council. The Hindhead Together joint advisory committee will co- ordinate the work of the members of the Hindhead Together Partnership in delivering the statutory duties and other requirements as they relate to the Hindhead area. Richard Silson, director of the planning cooperative, adds: "Each concept statement that we have worked on for other areas has been unique, drawing on what is special to that area and to the people and businesses there. "We have already started the work on the Hindhead project and will be running workshop events in the new year to find out about local views. "The plan is to complete the concept statement for the Hindhead area by the end of March next year." Anyone who wants to know more about Hindhead Together group or how to attend the launch event should contact the co-ordinator, Caroline White, on 01428 683207, by email at [email protected]">[email protected], or by writing to her: c/o Witley Centre, Witley, Godalming, Surrey GU8 5QA.