BRAMSHOTT and Liphook’s neighbourhood plan has been deferred to the new year, while still seeking a chairman for the steering group.

According to parish council chairman Michael Croucher, some new volunteers have come forward and the average age has reduced slightly. However, younger volunteers are still being sought.

Part of the steering group will be made up of members of the parish council as well as district councillor Rebecca Standish. Mr Croucher stated accommodations can be made to suit anyone who is interested, but who cannot commit to certain timetables.

“We can be flexible on time and schedule in a weekend meeting, rather than an evening one, which may be difficult for some people to attend,” he said. “We need a decent balance of age groups as well as a balance of males and females to represent the parish.”

The aim of the neighbourhood plan is to deliver a concise and accurate assessment of what development may be needed, among other matters.

EHDC officer Simon Jenkins has already given guidance at a public meeting held in September, and will continue to help the steering group, once it is formed.

With an approved, sound neighbourhood plan in place, the parish will acquire 25 per cent of contributions made under the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), rather than 15 per cent without a plan.

CIL is likely to be introduced in spring of next year and is levied on new developments according to areas in the district. Details will be made available shortly by the district council.

In the light of the Chancellor’s recent Autumn Statement, all districts across Hampshire, as well as in parts of south west Surrey will be subject to much further development, in order to meet the shortfall in housing developments over decades.

For more details, call the council on 01428 722988 or e-mail [email protected].