By Elise Brewerton
Published in the Portsmouth News on Wednesday 16th May 2012

CAMPAIGNERS have spoken of their anger as a developer attempts to win support for a housing development a council has already refused.

Barratt Homes has invited residents to a meeting to discuss its plans for a field west of Selangor Avenue, in Emsworth, despite being told it cannot be built on.

The field is not included in Havant Borough Council’s allocations survey – a comprehensive list of six potential sites offered by landowners for development which the public is being consulted on.

Andrew Biltcliffe, Havant Borough Council’s service manager for planning policy, said: ‘This is not a site we support.

‘It was put forward for us to look at and in terms of strategic housing it is not suitable.

‘It undermines the gap between Havant and Emsworth, there is a major gas pipeline running through it and it’s also next to the motorway.

‘It is not a preferred option for Emsworth but the developers are looking to put an application in.

‘They really want to push for it and we can’t stop them putting an application in, anyone can.

‘But we don’t support it.’

Continue reading Anger as developer eyes up Emsworth field for new housing

INSPECTION Gary Till examines plans. Picture: Allan Hutchings: (121691-341)

HUNDREDS of people crowded in to see plans for the future of Havant and Bedhampton.

Havant Borough Council laid three options on the table yesterday at the public exhibition on the number of homes which need to be built in the area.

Gary Till, a 54-year-old builder, was one of those keen to see what is planned for Old Bedhampton.

Mr Till, of Lower Road, said: ‘There are 50 homes planned for Lower Road and it’s outrageous.

‘It’s farmland at the moment bordered by a conservation area.

‘There’s 80-odd houses there at the moment and they originally planned 250 more but that’s been reduced to 50 – which is still too many.’

The council is carrying out an informal consultation on housing allocation across the area throughout the month.

The next meeting is at Tesco, Greywell Precinct, Leigh Park on May 23 from 11am to 2pm and The Hub, Park Parade, from 6pm to 8pm.

That is followed by the United Reformed Church, Hollow Lane, Hayling on May 24 from 11am to 2pm and again from 6pm to 8pm.

Waterlooville Library is on May 30 from 11am to 2pm. The Public Service Plaza will host an all areas exhibition on May 30 from 6pm to 8pm.

Published in the Portsmouth News on Monday 7th May 2012

A GREEN festival is set to be the biggest and most informative event of its kind in Hampshire.

The second annual Havant Green Week runs for six days from June 18th.

It kicks off in Emsworth and there are more than 30 events – most of which are free – across Havant.

The week is the brainchild of the borough’s two leading green groups, Friends of the Earth and Havant Transition Network and is supported by Havant Council.

Co-ordinator Ray Cobbett, said: ‘After last year’s pilot show we wanted to widen our horizons and provide something practical for almost everybody with an interest in greener living.

‘That includes walks, talks on energy bills, greener driving, keeping bees and chickens growing your own food and local cycle tours. There is also a green business breakfast to which top company bosses have been invited, which is being hosted by Fasset.’

On the opening night at the Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, in East Street, a panel of leading environmentalists will discuss future challenges followed by a specially-commissioned humorous eco drama called Bottled performed by the SOOP theatre company.’

The week ends with a Family Fair in Havant Park on June 23rd with 60 stalls, live bands and treats for children including a chance to meet alpacas.

‘During a recession it’s easy to say being greener can wait,’ said Mr Cobbett. ‘But it’s an ideal time because often the green option can be the best value for money,’

To find out more go to www.havantgoesgreener.org.uk

Drop in for drink at the Old House at Home South Street, Havant on 23rd May anytime after 7 so we can tell you about Havant Goes Greener. It’s Havant’s great green summer show and goes on for six days. More on the website at www.havantgoesgreener.org.uk