RESIDENTS voted in favour of the Petersfield Neighbourhood Plan at a referendum last Thursday.

The plan will now be used to guide planning decisions in the area and shape the future of the town over the next 15 years.

Around 26 per cent of the town’s 10,200-plus voters took part in the election – and those that voted were overwhelmingly in favour of the plan.

Residents were asked: “Do you want the South Downs National Park Authority to use the neighbourhood plan for Petersfield to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”

In total, 2,258 votes were cast in favour of using the plan, with 455 against.

The neighbourhood plan took a team of volunteers over three years to put together and touches on many aspects of the town, including transport, facilities, and future housing sites.

Angela Glass, East Hampshire District Council’s portfolio holder for planning, said: “I am delighted to see the people of Petersfield have approved the Petersfield Neighbourhood Plan.

“A cogent, coherent plan is essential if we and the South Downs National Park are to manage the growth and development of the town responsibly and sustainably over the coming years.”