The Neighbourhood Plan is now moving through a series of screening processes prior to a formal submission to Hart District Council for 1st November with a referendum probably in May 2018. In drafting a Foreward to the Plan, I'm reminded of what we are trying to achieve by engaging in this process.

Just look at our history. Hartley Wintney is steeped in history – from the 13th century when it was located around the medieval church of St. Mary, to becoming a staging post for travellers from Southampton to London (now the A30), visited by Henry VIII in 1535, the planting of the famous Mildmay Oaks, the 18th century cricket green and the arrival of the railway in nearby Winchfield in 1838.

The parish has transitioned well into today's world with a vibrant High Street and new additions of St Mary's Park and Hartley Row. Increased population has raised the incremental strains on core infrastructure and the challenges of traffic levels, rat runs, parking and the strains on the surgery and schools. We have recorded these concerns in a section titled “Community Aspirations”.

Looking forward, our vision for Hartley Wintney is:
“to continue to be a unique and cherished village making it a pleasant place to live and work with it's attractive built heritage surrounded by open countryside and continuing to be a vibrant, sustainable and forward-looking community.”

The current version of the Plan is on the website – we are still very much open to your feedback.

Cllr Chris Farrance, Steering Group Chair