A NEIGHBOURHOOD plan for Bramshott and Liphook has now been designated by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) and 10 members of the public have come forward to become part of its steering group.

The Bramshott and Liphook Neighbourhood Plan is still in its infancy and at the moment a steering group is being selected from volunteers who will be giving their local knowledge, specialist skills and all-round help.

Also part of the steering group will be members of the parish council, as well as district councillor Rebecca Standish.

But according to parish council chairman Michael Croucher, there is a lack of female volunteers, to give the steering committee some balance, as well as a lack of young people.

Mr Croucher stated that accommodations can be made to suit anyone who is interested, but who cannot commit to certain timetables.

“We can be flexible on time and schedule in a weekend meeting, rather than an evening one, which may be difficult for some people to attend,” he said.

“We need a decent balance of age groups as well as a balance of males and females to represent the parish.”

He did confirm that the process will go ahead. It is imperative that in order to be found sound, the procedure for forming this group should be all inclusive, with no imposition of any restriction with regard to age, or any other consideration, and that the process is open to everyone. Without this, the plan will fall at the first hurdle.

The aim of the neighbourhood plan is to deliver a concise and accurate assessment of what development may be needed, among other matters.

EHDC officer Simon Jenkins has already given guidance at a public meeting held in September and will continue to help the steering group, once it is formed.

With an approved, sound neighbourhood plan in place, the parish will acquire 25 per cent of contributions made under the Community Infrastructure Levy, rather than 15 per cent without a plan.

The infrastructure levy is likely to be introduced in spring of next year and is levied on new developments according to areas in the district. Details will be made available by the district council.

For more details, call Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council on 01428 722988 or e-mail council@ bramshottandliphook-pc.gov.uk.