WINCHFIELD Parish Council is the latest local council to submit a Neighbourhood Plan to Hart District Council.

The parish council has had an eye on developments around Hart in recent months, as surveys, plans and registers have all been published which could have a major effect in the village’s future.

Chairman Andrew Renshaw and residents alike have long campaigned for protection from future developments and are particularly concerned about the surrounding greenfield sites which make up the aesthetics of the village.

Just days before the recent brownfield register was released, Winchfield Parish Council published its plan, which is now open for comments from the public, who have until September 4 to submit their views.

In a section of the report named ‘Winchfield 2015 - The Challenges’, the council says it is against “Inappropriately sized or located or designed development not in keeping with the size and scale of the village.

“Winchfield currently comprises 242 houses with residents totalling c.660, with a village that has grown through sensitive and well-designed development.”

Also highlighted is a “risk of coalescence, eg losing the green space separation between the existing Winchfield village settlements and the local gaps between adjoining villages and towns.”

For ‘Winchfield in 2032’, the plan emphasises that: “New housing has respected the character of existing buildings and has blended with them sympathetically in terms of size, scale and quality.

“Managed growth has been achieved through a mixture of infill and small-scale developments which have given consideration to both rural and affordable housing needs.

“The density of new developments has continued to allow for adequate off road parking, utility and garden space similar to and compatible with existing properties.”

Affordable housing was also a major need highlighted. “Appropriate development opportunities have given local people the opportunity to buy/rent homes ahead of them being offered on the open market.

“The growth in population has been absorbed successfully and, in consequence, a strong village community spirit thrives.”

The published plan also states the parish’s policies. “In 2032 our overall objective is that Winchfield remains a rural village still with its own unique character and ambience.

“It has succeeded in accommodating its share of new housing development in a way that complements both its built heritage and its natural topography and history.”

One of the concerns of Winchfield and shared by neighbouring villages, is the loss of the green space between the existing villages.

Ninety six per cent of people want to protect the rural lanes in Winchfield for future generations to enjoy, and in a separate survey 96 per cent of residents also wish to protect the rural look and feel of the village.

For more information about how to respond to the plan, visit www.hart.gov.uk/winchfield-neighbourhood-plan-form.