Comment: Meeting this evening on 75-home development

This evening the Parish Council starts to make their plan for responding to James Painter’s outline application for a 75-home development.

They will also open the floor for members of the public to ask questions and express their views.

At stake is the largest single increase ever in the size of our Village. One which would shape the future of Chilbolton.

Last Thursday we elected two new Parish Councillors - Martin Watson and Neil Connor. Both said that they wanted the community to be closely involved in decision-making. It’s clear their influence has contributed to the meeting being convened this evening.

When news of the outline planning application broke last week, a wave of concern swept through the Village . There was similar concern when Test Valley Borough Council consulted on 65 new homes in the Village.

As Cllr Neil Connor pointed out in his interview with us, in responding to TVBC’s consultation, the Parish Council got it right. As he said “They had three meetings. They took on board the feedback from residents. They listened and reflected that back to the Parish.”

This evening’s meeting is an opportunity for a similar process in responding to James Painter’s application. We have a Parish Council enlivened by new blood. We also seem to have more clarity on how declarations of interest should be handled.

It’s an opportunity for a new start, and the first step towards a considered response to Mr Painter.