A TWO-day design forum held by the neighbourhood development plan steering group concluded school traffic is the main congestion issue throughout Liphook and direct improvements to the village square must be considered.

The summary presentation by Richard Eastham from consultants Feria Urbanism to a packed audience highlighted the unique challenges the parish faces as well as additional work required to seek a holistic solution which the community can reach a consensus on.

He explained neighbourhood planning gives communities direct power to develop a shared vision for their parish and deliver the sustainable development they need.

If proposed development in the South Downs National Park has valid support from the community it can be considered, but it needs to be ruled in or out what type of development is required in the national park area.

He said: “The neighbourhood development plan needs to proceed with confidence only on sites that can withstand examination.

“Right now it cannot do this,” he told the meeting.

The event was well attended with more than 200 residents, businesses and organisations getting involved, providing invaluable ideas, feedback and comments on the future of the parish. Individual presentations were made by 19 different groups, including schools, businesses, support groups and developers, laying out their vision of the future of the parish and explore ideas and ambitions.

Participants also visited specific areas of Liphook and continued group work investigating areas for improvement.

Future requirements were outlined by Liphook and Liss Surgery, which has already had planning permission since April 2011, for a new medical centre on Bohunt Park land, off Portsmouth Road, which lies in the National Park.

Liphook United Football Club, which caters for more than 200 players as well as 80 adults has been unable to upgrade due to a small pitch.

At present LUFC is unable to accommodate any more teams and requires a minimum of a six-acre site with an all weather pitch, flood lights and a larger clubhouse.

Permission for these plans was granted by the SDNPA on Bohunt Park land in April 2011, when the South Downs National Park was first designated.

Students from Bohunt School, were concerned about congestion in the centre of the village, narrow pavements, lack of parking provisions, but they also pointed out the large range of activities the school offers and easy access for students to the railway station.

Children at Liphook Junior School wanted improved non-vehicular access, enhanced facilities for all ages, as well as a toy factory and shop, and love the community feel and events Liphook has to offer.

The Lowsley Farm Residents’ Group called for the Atkins transport study, commissioned by East Hampshire District Council, to be completed. The feasibility study – presenting five relief routes to take traffic away from the centre of the village and to improve the current road network issues – is due to be started this month.

The Chiltley Farm Action Group, which represents views of more than 300 residents of southern Liphook, stated housing must be in places that benefit the community as a whole, including infrastructure gains, good schooling, good sports facilities and address traffic concerns, especially in the centre of the village.

CLAG considers the SDNP boundary a unique opportunity and Bohunt Park a key development location, which is currently being missed.

SOS Bohunt Manor Community Action Group’s main points include making a positive contribution to the SDNP gateway, enhance employment and education and allow residents to enjoy a good quality of life.

Savills Countryside spoke about a new development opportunity on land at Old Shepherd’s Farm, next to Highfield School, comprising 130 new dwellings and improvements to the local infrastructure.

Further presentations were made by The Deer’s Hut pub at Giggs Green, Old Thorns Hotel, Liphook Golf Club, St Mary’s Church, the Peak Day Centre, Mayflower Care, Age Concern Liphook, the Preservation Society, Graduate Landscapes as well as Reside Developments for a site in Headley Road, which was previously rejected.

Also present were Kevin Thurlow from East Hampshire District Council and SDNPA’s Chris Paterson, who said the South Downs National Park boundary would remain as it is for the unforeseeable future.

NDP steering group chairman Emma Winfield, told The Herald: “On behalf of the NDP steering group and Feria Urbanism, I would like to thank everyone who participated in the community event. We had a real cross-section of the parish sharing their views and ideas for the future.

“It was great to hear how passionate everyone is about the area, the sense of community and wanting the best for the parish and all who live and work in it.

“There was a fantastic range of great and insightful ideas and comments on areas of concern as well as how areas could be improved. We are now working on preparations for the third day of the design forum, which will be held on Tuesday, November 28.

“The presentation, summarising the work of the forum, is now on the NDP website and a copy is available to read at the parish office at the Haskell Centr.e

“It is important to note this presentation is a record of where we are at present – and not an endorsement of any of the proposals, but a working document to form the next steps in the process.”