It has been seven years in the making, but Bramshott & Liphook Parish Council is now celebrating after voters supported the Neighbourhood Plan in a public referendum held this month. With a resounding 87 per cent of the 14.7 per cent turnout approving the plan, the community's voice has been heard loud and clear.

This pivotal moment means the Neighbourhood Plan will soon be formally adopted by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) during their next full council meeting in November. Once approved, it will serve as a statutory planning document for EHDC and the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA), guiding future development decisions in the parish.

As a sustainable settlement, the parish will be allocated sites for development in the future, but the Neighbourhood Plan gives residents a way to influence the nature of development, ensuring that any new housing aligns with the community’s character and addresses both environmental and social needs. Thanks to the plan, Bramshott & Liphook is now guaranteed to receive 25 per cent of the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy, earmarked for local improvements.

The council thanked all stakeholders and residents who participated in consultations throughout the planning process, with special thanks going to the dedicated members of the steering group, whose hard work over the past seven years has shaped the plan.

“The Neighbourhood Plan will enhance our parish by addressing key issues such as housing, traffic, heritage, community facilities, and the economy,” said the Parish Council.

To read the full Neighbourhood Plan, head to: bramshottandliphook-pc.gov.uk/council/neighbourhood-plan