Tell us what you think and you could win £100 Is it true that the Army is really leaving Whitehill Bordon?
What do you want to talk to me about this time?
Did you take any notice of what I said? Yes we did. For example you said you wanted less homes built. So we have reduced the number from 5,300 to a maximum of 4,000
Yes. They have announced that they will have left the town by 2015 at the latest
We want to find out what you think about the changes we’re planning to make to the masterplan
Will you be asking me anything else?
What is the masterplan? The masterplan is a guide to how the town will be improved and regenerated over the next 25 years
Yes. We also want to find out what you like and dislike about your neighbourhood and how it can be made better in the future as more detailed plans for the town are drawn up
Haven’t I already commented on it?
Will there be any biscuits?
Yes, we’ve taken on board what you’ve said and made changes
Yes – but supplies are limited, so get there early!
Be part of the conversation Details of events on the back page – come and give us your views
September 2011
What you told us you wanted, and what we’ve done We want fewer houses
Proposed changes to the masterplan
We have reduced the number of homes from 5,300 to no more than 4,000. Housing density will not be restricted to three categories – instead there will be a mix of housing densities across the development areas.
We’re worried that more homes will mean the roads get clogged We have carried out a transport assessment which has tested the impact that 4,000 new homes would have on roads. The assessment shows that the roads should be able to cope with this level of development as long as road improvements are made – for example at junctions.
We’re worried you won’t improve public transport We have changed the masterplan so that there are two possible options for a train station instead of just one. The new location is very close to the town centre and the other position is next to Hogmoor Inclosure.
B.O.S.C.
New town park Additional protected green space
New water feature
Possible train station
Relocated allotments
A new local bus service will be launched in 2012. And the longer term strategy proposes major improvements to the bus routes within and surrounding the town. Possible train station We’re worried the development will harm the environment We have carried out a test called the Habitats Regulations Assessment which sees if there will be any adverse effects on the town’s protected sites. It says that if additional green space is protected (these are called Suitable Alternative Natural Green spaces and are known as SANGs) then building 4,000 homes will have no adverse impact on the environment.
We are concerned we won’t get a new town centre A study called the Retail Impact Assessment has reinforced our approach and said that a new town centre is crucial to the regeneration of the town. It also says that retail outside the current and proposed town centre shouldn’t happen as this will undermine the viability of the town centre.
We’re worried that new jobs won’t be provided This is a top priority and we are actively encouraging businesses into the town - as well as seeking investment. The sites earmarked for eco-business parks will be marketed at the earliest opportunity
Traffic managed A325
A number of studies have been carried out (available at www.whitehillbordon.com) and these have recommended some changes to the masterplan. What do you think about the proposed changes? Come along to one of the nine events (see back page) and tell us what you think about the following:
B.O.S.C. The studies recommend that we should reduce the housing density, retain some of the woodland and improve the existing sports club. We want to know what you think about this.
New water feature
Additional protected green space
New public plaza
The studies recommend that the small stream (known as Oxney Drain) should be moved away from the new access road and instead become a water feature that would make the town look more attractive. Do you think this is a good idea?
Allotments The masterplan had previously said that allotments should go in Hogmoor and Bordon Inclosure – but the studies recommend that they go in the development area. Would you be happy with this change?
New town park The studies recommend that there is a new town park in easy reach of the town centre. What do you think about this? Would you use it?
Public plaza An attractive town square is proposed opposite the High Street and Chalet Hill junction (this is where the current councilowned car park is). This was recommended by the Green Infrastructure Strategy. Do you think this would be a nice addition to the town?
Protected green spaces The studies have said that if additional green spaces are protected for people and wildlife to use, then building 4,000 homes will not harm the environment. What do you think about this?
The A325 The transport study has found that there are no showstoppers if 4,000 new homes are built. But it says that the biggest impact will be on the A325 and so it recommends that this road should be managed rather than just left as it is and that a new relief road should be provided. Do you think this is a good idea?
Train station The original masterplan proposed a station near Hogmoor Inclosure. We are now also considering a station nearer the town centre as an option. What do you think?
Powering the town The studies have recommended that there are smaller energy centres dotted around the town rather than one energy centre which would provide power for the whole town. Do you agree?
Your neighbourhood We want to know what matters to you in your neighbourhood so when we start planning the town in more detail we know what you want.
The events As well as finding out what you think about the proposed changes to the masterplan, we also want to know what you like and dislike about your neighbourhood. This is so we know what you want when the town is planned in more detail.
We are holding nine events in the different neighbourhoods in and around Whitehill Bordon, so please come and tell us what matters to you. These will be run by independent facilitators.
You can come to any event but we suggest coming to the one nearest to where you live. For the nine events in the box below, you can drop-in from 5–6pm for an informal chat or you can come to an in-depth workshop from 6–7.30pm – or you can come to both.
Date Drop-in from 5–6pm for an informal chat Workshops from 6–7.30pm
Venue
Focusing on...
Monday 3 October
Forest Community Centre
Whitehill Bordon (area near Conde Way)
Thursday 6 October
Pinewood Village Hall
Whitehill Bordon (area near Phoenix Theatre)
Monday 10 October
Forest Community Centre
Whitehill Bordon (area near Forest Shopping Centre)
Friday 14 October
Lindford Village Hall
Lindford
Monday 17 October
Forest Community Centre
Whitehill Bordon (area near Hogmoor Inclosure)
Tuesday 18 October
Blackmoor Village Hall
Blackmoor, Selborne and Oakhanger
Wednesday 26 October
Greatham Village Hall
Greatham
Wednesday 2 November
The Kingsley Centre
Kingsley and Sleaford
Friday 11 November
Headley Village Hall
Headley and Standford
If you can’t make it to any of these events, come and talk to us at Tesco on Saturday 15 October from 10am–2pm. We will also be in the old Fire Station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am–4pm until the end of October, so please come and tell us your views.
For more information please see www.whitehillbordon.com or email whitehillbordon@easthants.gov.uk or phone 01730 234329.
Projects up and running thanks to Eco-town funding Eco-fitness trail
Countryside ranger
This outdoor exercise trail opened last year. It is free to use and it stretches over half a mile in the recreation ground at Mill Chase Road
Jamie Cummins is working to ensure Whitehill Bordon’s beautiful countryside is protected, enhanced and safeguarded for future generations
Rail feasibility study This has found that a rail link from Whitehill Bordon to Bentley with a through service to London Waterloo warrants further investigation
Youth drop-in A youth drop-in scheme has been launched
The Fire Station This is now open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am-4pm. This is so you can drop in and find out more about the town’s regeneration. Or make an appointment by emailing whitehillbordon@easthants.gov.uk It will close at the end of October for the overall refurbishment and opens properly in summer 2012
Free loft and cavity wall insulation
Liftshare
This is still available and will reduce your fuel bills. Call 0800 80 48 777 for more information
Interest-free loans
Thirty-five residents have received interest-free loans of up to £10,000 to make energy-saving improvements to their homes
Exhibition House This carbon-busting home, which will be open to the public and will showcase low-carbon living, has been given planning approval and building will start at the end of October this year
A new car-sharing service has started so that you can cut your travel costs and carbon emissions. Log onto www.whitehillbordon.liftshare.com for more information
Eco-town allotments Seventeen new allotments were opened at the end of July in Savile Crescent
Energy-saving improvements to schools Work to make five schools and the library more energy efficient has taken place and the remaining schools will have improved energy monitoring
All information correct at time of going to print (9 September 2011)
For more information go to www.whitehillbordon.com
Designed and produced by East Hampshire District Council for the Whitehill Bordon Eco-town team Printed in Whitehill Bordon on recycled paper