Topic groups

There are five topic groups. We'd be delighted for you to join one of these if the subject matter interests you or you feel you have something to offer

All development has to meet the criteria of being 'sustainable' so every group will have to keep this thought at the core of their work.

Community, Heritage and protection

Key to our Neighbourhood Plan is finding a way to build a strong community into the future. Does a sense of belonging and community already exist? If not, what is needed to create one? If it does exist, how do we keep it strong and is there anything we need to put into the plan to make this happen?

This is an opportunity for some creative thinking!

This group will also identify sites of importance to our heritage and consider ways to positively protect them for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

Housing and development

This group currently does not need to find any sites for development because the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan is not asking that of us. So what this group needs to consider is what housing needs or wants this community currently have and may have in the future. What is the current housing mix in our parish and is there something missing? What should any proposed development look like in order to stay in keeping with what is currently here? What sort of development would we prefer? for example ribbon development along the roads or cul- de -sac type; large numbers of houses on a larger development or would we prefer to keep developments smaller? Do we want blocks of flats, retirement villages, hotels, mansions or more affordable accommodation?

This is where we consider what the parish could look like into the future if developers decided to put in planning applications.

Infrastructure

This group has a lot to do and it is a key group! The individuals working on this topic will need to think of all the infrastructure that currently serves our parish and what will be required into the future, considering the impacts of climate change and thinking about sustainability at every level. this may include things such as highways and transport; internet; sewage systems; rainwater harvesting or drought mitigation; health provision; education provision and leisure facilities. This is not an exhaustive list!

Where are there currently gaps in provision? Where might those gaps get bigger if we have increased development in our area? How could any future proposed development be made sustainable and what infrastructure will be needed for that to happen?

Environment

This group will be looking at our natural environment, identifying key areas of importance for biodiversity or our resident's well-being and considering how best to protect and enhance these into the future. How do we reconnect sensitive sites across our parish and help meet the Government targets of increasing biodiversity by 30% by 2030.We will be looking at footpaths and bridleways and how we could protect the walking, cycling and riding opportunities in the area.

Economy, business and employment

This group is looking at what employment and business opportunities already exist in our parish, including home working. Are there other business opportunities we could create that would be sustainable and bring positive benefits to our community? If so, where should they be located? What facilities might be required to make them viable?

The topic groups are now coming up with ideas given what you told us in the survey and we will bring those ideas and thoughts to a public meeting soon..... If you want to join a group, please email us at baughurstnp@gmail.com so we can link you with the topic group leader. Your plan needs you!!!