Last month, I wrote about the government-imposed 78% increase in our housing numbers. To respond to that, we have now prepared a draft Local Plan that delivers a total of 15,878 new homes over the next 17 years, rather than fewer than 9,000 we had previously been asked to allocate. This means we’ve had to include many more sites that weren’t in the previous iteration of our Local Plan. Drafting a new Local Plan is always challenging, balancing the need for new homes while protecting and supporting existing communities, but this has been the most difficult I have ever been involved in. We recognise that some of the proposals may be unpopular, but the government’s new housing requirement, coupled with the ongoing threat of speculative development, means we are really up against it.
We, therefore, want to hear your views and take into consideration your comments before putting together the final version. The public consultation is currently open until midnight on Friday, the 5th of September 2025. You can have your say at: www.testvalley.gov.uk/planning-services/planningpolicy/local-development-framework/draft-local-plan-2042.
The other issue that is taking up a large portion of my time is responding to the government’s requirement for local government reorganisation. The government has tasked us with creating new councils across Hampshire, so your services will no longer be split between Test Valley Borough Council and Hampshire County Council. Instead, they’ll be provided by a single unitary authority. I have huge concerns that if we don’t get this right, then the new councils could become much more remote, and that some of the services that districts currently provide will all but vanish.
Test Valley has been working with 11 other district and unitary councils in Hampshire to promote four mainland unitaries (with the Isle of Wight as a separate council). We believe this gives us the best possible chance to keep the services you value as local as possible and protects everything that is unique and special about Test Valley. Large enough to succeed, with the capacity to deliver joined-up services and value for money, but small enough to care, rooted in real places and responsive to the communities they serve.
Based on public feedback, including a recent survey, we want Test Valley to join with Winchester, New Forest, and East Hampshire to form one of those four unitaries. The rationale for that is that these areas are a mixture of market towns and rural areas, almost all of which are parished. We strongly believe that by doing that, we can continue our current brand of democracy, work closely with our communities, and continue to support Parish Councils. We will be making a formal submission to the government in September, but it will be up to Ministers which options they decide to pursue. I’ll keep you updated.
Finally, there are some fantastic summer activities happening in our high streets this summer, be it Andover’s free Four Fun Fridays, Stockbridge’s Trout and About, or Romsey Food Fair. There really is something for everyone. Do check out www.visittestvalley.org/events for more information.
Cllr. Phil North
Leader of the Test Valley Borough Council
