Alresford's controversial town plan to be discussed at second public meeting in ten days (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Alresford's controversial town plan to be discussed at second public meeting in ten days

9:29am Wednesday 30th January 2013 in News By Andrew Napier

ALRESFORD civic chiefs are staging a second public meeting to discuss the controversial town plan.

The town council is holding the hastily-arranged meeting this Monday, February 4, at the town recreation centre.

It follows one last Wednesday that attracted more than 150 people to hear how the town may evolve in the years up to 2031. It must find room for 400-500 homes as part of the Winchester Local Plan.

The town council has proposed a scheme whereby industry and Perins School moves from the town centre to farmland off Sun Lane. That would free land in the centre for new housing.

Many residents oppose development on countryside and have criticised the council for drawing up proposals with allegedly little consultation.

Town councillor Natalie Carpenter suggested a second public in ten days would be helpful. “I’m hoping that by calling this public meeting that the town will see that the council are attempting to work with the town in transparency and cooperation. We would welcome comments on the evening.”

Cllr Lisa Griffiths, who chaired the meeting on January 17, said: “We need to set out what we are going to do so we can find a solution to move things forward.”