POND UPDATE
Works will be commencing on the pond in the coming weeks to remove the deposit build up and rectify some of the current problems with water levels. The mummy duck and her babies will be carefully rehomed before any works start. There may be some noise and traffic disruption whilst this work is conducted; although efforts are being made to mitigate this as much as possible. Discussions with contractors are ongoing and more details on the refurbishment will be shared with everyone in due course. For the most up-to-date information about the pond, visit http://northwaltham.net/news/ , the village Facebook page or Village News Whatsapp group.
POLICY AND DEVELOPMEMT MATTERS AFFECTING NORTH WALTHAM
The Parish Council would like to draw residents’ attention to several major policy changes and planning proposals which will significantly impact North Waltham and the surrounding area.
1. Government Reorganisation – Move to Unitary Authorities
The Government has announced plans to simplify local government by abolishing the current two-tier structure (County and District Councils). Within two years Hampshire County Council and all District Councils, including Basingstoke and Deane, will be dissolved. They will be replaced by Unitary Authorities responsible for delivering all services from education to planning, social care, and road maintenance.
Proposals Under Consideration:
- Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council proposes a North Hampshire Unitary Authority consisting of Basingstoke, Hart, and Rushmoor.
- Hampshire County Council proposes a broader version including Winchester and East Hampshire in addition to the above.
More information can be found on the Hampshire County Council and Basingstoke and Deane websites.
2. Local Plan Update
Following the Parish Council public sessions last year and residents’ submitting feedback to Basingstoke’s Local Plan update, central government has increased Basingstoke & Deane’s housing delivery target. They are now required to deliver 40% more housing, with an increase from 828 to 1,150 homes per year. As such they have been required to revisit their Local Plan Update proposal. The first step in this has been an additional call for sites. This is now complete and 79 new sites were promoted across the borough. All sites can be viewed www.basingstoke.gov.uk/cfs-2025-publication
New Promotions in North Waltham include:
- NWAL013: Church Farm, Steventon Road (Planning application for 9 houses pending)
- NWAL014: Land at The White Cottage, Popham Lane
Re-Promotions in North Waltham include::
- NWAL01: South Manydown (large-scale development)
- NWAL006: West Side Dairy
- NWAL009: The Old Hall
- NWAL012: Waltham Lane (behind St Michael’s Close)
All other promoted sites were previously featured in the 2024 Strategic Housing and Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA). It is worth noting that the land put forward above has registered their potential for development but will not automatically be eligible for housing and all normal planning processes must be adhered to.
3. Popham Logistics Development Proposal
There is a forthcoming proposal for a logistics centre at West Farm near Popham, which can be viewed at https://pophamlogistics.co.uk/our-proposals/. The developers are currently conducting a survey to canvass local opinion. Residents are advised to be mindful that this survey is conducted by the developer’s themselves and will have no bearing on any future planning application.
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
North Waltham is facing increasing pressure for development in the village and surrounding area. In addition to the above, discussion have been had around the following large-scale development proposals in the area
- Oakdown Warehouses (planning approved by BDBC)
- Manydown South – stretching to Maidenthorne Lane
- The New Hospital on the A30
- Up to 10,000 homes near the A30/A33 and Popham Airfield
- Proposed new town at Micheldever with up to 20,000 homes
These developments pose a serious risk to the North Waltham Strategic Gap, a vital buffer that preserves the village’s rural character. The Parish Council continues to strongly advocate for the protection of the Strategic Gap and is in ongoing dialogue with Basingstoke & Deane. Your support is crucial.
North Waltham Parish Council is seeking volunteers to join a working group that:
- Monitor and track large-scale developments
- Circulate information to residents
- Help the community respond effectively
If you have experience with planning, local policy, or can volunteer time to support this effort, please get in touch: clerk@northwaltham.info
