ADD UPDATE, 30 June 2023: Eastleigh is to get a new Local Plan, to be in place by 2029. It will replace the one adopted last year after Eastleigh Borough Council (EBC)’s original version had been rejected by the planning inspector. Action against Destructive Development (ADD), having campaigned successfully to get fundamental changes to the previous plan, will be following progress closely.
ADD accepts the case for new housing, and will support developments that are sensitive to the natural environment, the quality of life of residents and the housing needs of local people.
So what happens now?
September 6, 2023: Deadline for anyone to send Eastleigh Borough Council (EBC) details of potential sites for development.
Autumn 2023: Council to publish a Statement of Community Involvement, setting out how it will consult local people.
Autumn 2024: Approval of the ‘Issues and Options’ paper, which can be expected to include a shortlist of potential sites. This will be followed by the start of the public consultation.
Summer 2026: Approval of the council’s preferred sites to be tested in more detail.
Autumn 2027: Approval of Local Plan, subject to further public consultation.
Spring 2028: Submission of Local Plan to the Secretary of State
Spring 2028 – Spring 2029: public examination of the Local Plan.
Spring 2029: Adoption of local plan with possible amendments.
ADD’s supporters will recall that we strongly opposed EBC’s previous Local Plan, which would have involved 5,500 homes in highly eco-sensitive locations in Fair Oak and Bishopstoke, a major new road through countryside, permanent damage to several areas of ancient woodland, pollution on the River Itchen and an unacceptable increase in road traffic.
“We look forward to co-operating with Eastleigh Borough Council, our parish councils, other local organisations and residents to achieve the best possible outcome,” said ADD chair David Ashe. “We hope that this time around the consultation process will be genuine, that the council will be led by what is best for the area rather than by developers and that all possible sites are given full and fair consideration.”
For more details go to https://www.eastleigh.gov.uk/media/13202/post-cab-new-sci-v5-190623.pdf
Throughout this process, we will be providing updates on this website.
