Hart District Council’s Local Plan has been recommended for adoption by the government’s Planning Inspectorate, subject to councillor approval.
The Local Plan sets out the council will balance future development requirements with the need to protect the special qualities of Hart. It will include a supply of new homes (including affordable homes and those for older people), economic development floorspace, low carbon lifestyles and renewable energy, while at the same time protecting and enhancing our natural and built environment and biodiversity.
Hart District Council see the benefits of the local plan as providing a sound basis to make future planning decisions and meeting the community’s needs as well as providing policies to ensure that the design of new buildings and the layout of new communities will be of high quality, which will generate conservation areas of the future.
The Inspector has stated that the Local Plan is sound and legally compliant, subject to some recommended changes. The plan will go before the Council for formal adoption in March.
Councillor Graham Cockarill, Cabinet member for Place, said: “Our Plan means that as a Council we have the power to shape and manage the delivery of new homes and economic growth in accordance with our vision for Hart to become the best place, community and environment to live, work and enjoy. It is a blueprint for meeting our community’s needs, improving the quality of life and putting in place the necessary infrastructure to support development. It will also protect our valued environment and the character of our towns and villages.”
Councillor David Neighbour, Leader of the Council, added: “This Local Plan has been through extensive public consultation, review and examination and my thanks go to everyone who took part, had their say, and for all the hard work that was required to bring us to this moment. This is a real success for Hart and its future.”
Read the Hart District Council Local Plan report.
