AFTER being warned about picking the wrong fight with the South Downs National Park over where new housing in the village should be built, a planning expert has given the parish council a list of objectives on completing its controversial Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP).

The Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council’s NDP steering group invited Roger Hargreaves, a professional town planner with first hand experience of drafting and completing the NDP for Liss Parish Council, to give a presentation.

Mr Hargreaves highlighted the challenges they will be facing, including keeping up momentum at all times, establishing potential sites and building good relationships with developers, concentrating on key issues like housing and traffic – and being realistic about the time and effort it will take to complete the plan.

He advised having a coherent strategy throughout the process with a clear criteria for assessing sites, constant communication with the public to avoid loss of interest, managing the community’s expectations since not everything can be delivered as well as being very systematic about everything, setting up public consultations every step of the way in order to get support from the community, which should include every age group.

He said: “It is best to record everything, set up an efficient communications group, never underestimate what resources are required, be very organised and plan for the community as well as the planning system.

“The inspector will go by the book, is often not interested in anything outside the statutory planning system and will go by what is outlined in the Joint Core Strategy between East Hampshire District Council and the South Downs National Park Authority, which expires in May 2019 and is due to be replaced by Local Plans from both authorities.

“There is no point in re-inventing the wheel – look at other NDPs which have already been approved, copy the wording and have a look at their background documents.”

Mr Hargreaves championed working parties to take on individual tasks and revealed a steering group has ‘no power whatsoever,’ since the parish council can veto everything they propose and has to agree on all financial decisions.

After receiving the interim report by independent consultants Feria Urbanism, the steering group is taking stock to consider a number of ‘moving parts’ as well as seeking clarity on other issues from both planning authorities – including housing allocations and the Atkins transport study.

The steering group also discussed a recent presentation by EHDC on its Local Plan, including the introduction of new legislative requirements for NDPs and housing allocation.

The Local Plan, which sets out housing and employment sites as well as infrastructure in the parts of East Hampshire outside the South Downs National Park is to be reviewed, and residents will have the chance to have their say.

Areas inside the park – more than half of East Hampshire – will be covered by a separate plan being drawn up by the South Downs National Park Authority.

EHDC’s existing plan – the Joint Core Strategy (JSC) which was created with the SDNPA – shows how many homes are needed, and where they will be built – plus what infrastructure should be provided to support them.

But new Government planning rules say all Local Plans must be reviewed every five years, meaning EHDC’s current plan will be out of date by the middle of 2019.

As a result work is already under way to gather evidence on the future need for homes, community and recreation facilities, pitches for gypsies and travellers, plus employment sites.

The council will consult residents as it draws it together.

Liphook and Bramshott district councillor Angela Glass, who is also EHDC’s planning portfolio holder, said: “Whether you’re trying to get on the housing ladder, looking for a job close to home, or use local shops, schools and roads – the Local Plan will affect you and your quality of life.

“This plan only covers areas of East Hampshire outside the SDNP where we want to create sustainable towns and villages with the right blend of homes, jobs and facilities to match the needs of the community.

“To do this, we need a plan which incorporates our residents’ local knowledge, concerns and understanding so we can plan successful, better-connected, sustainable communities.

“That’s why it’s so important people join in with discussions and consultations about the Local Plan and have their say.”

Public discussions will be planned throughout this year on key parts of the plan. A draft version should be ready for consultation by the end of the year.

Revising the Local Plan will also mean existing and developing Neighbourhood Plans may have to change to align with new guidelines, which could mean more work and more engagement with those local communities.

But Bramshott and Liphook’s emerging NDP will benefit from the revised plan, since any additional housing allocations that may be required can still be incorporated.

Under the current JCS the parish’s housing allocation is covered by the first two phases at Griggs Green’s Lowsley Farm, where 330 dwellings are on the way.

Work will also be carried out by EHDC on a community facility audit to catalogue the village halls, pubs and other facilities communities use now or may need.

A sport and recreation study will establish the current provision in the part of the district outside the park and cover future demand.

The number of pitches for gypsies, travellers and plots for travelling showmen and women will be identified in the revised local plan after a consultation.

•Learn more at www. bramshottandliphookndp.uk