Local people and businesses are reminded that time is running out to have their say on future development in the borough.
The public consultation on Havant Borough Council’s Local Plan will end on Monday 14 November.
Under the banner ‘Building a Better Future, the six week consultation which started in October has been touring the borough to allow everyone to have their say on future housing, employment, the environment, and leisure facilities and to ensure that the right infrastructure, such as roads and schools, is in place to support growth.
Over the last few weeks, six information events have been held around the borough in Hayling Island, Havant Town Centre, Waterlooville, Emsworth, and Leigh Park with more than 770 residents attending to find out more about the local plan.
Councillor Elizabeth Lloyd, Cabinet Lead for Local Plan, Environment and Water Quality, said: “We have had an excellent response so far, with the exhibitions well attended.
“I wish to thank those who have taken their time to come along to the exhibitions or have completed the survey and shared their views, and I would encourage those who have not yet given us their opinion to do so. "Listening to residents' suggestions is an invaluable part of the process as the plan affects all of us and it has to bring benefits to all sections of our community, so we need to work together to create a thriving, attractive and prosperous borough for the future."
Under current legislation, the council has an obligation to increase the amount of housing being built and to do everything possible to meet housing targets set by Government. That means the council must identify land where new homes could be built. The government has set a target of 516 new homes to be built in the borough every year.
Councillor Lloyd added: "A local plan isn't just about building houses; it is about the fundamental fabric of the place in which we live. We want to create neighbourhoods that last a lifetime, that improve our natural environment and respond to the challenges of climate change.
"It's vital that we have a plan so that we maintain control over development in the borough; without one, we are vulnerable to development being imposed upon us and won't have the policies in place to ensure the quality of development that our communities deserve and protect our natural environment."
To find out more visit www.havant.gov.uk/local-plan before submitting your comments before midnight on Monday 14 November.