Residents gathered on Saturday 28 February to learn more about the findings from the Eversley Neighbourhood Plan Community Survey and to discuss the next stages of the project.

The Open Day provided an opportunity for members of the community to review the survey results, speak with members of the Working Group and explore some of the key issues that will help shape the future direction of the Neighbourhood Plan.

What We've Heard So Far

The Community Survey generated valuable feedback from across the parish, helping to identify the issues that matter most to residents. Common themes included:

•    Protecting Eversley's rural character and village identity
•    Preserving green spaces and the natural environment.
•    Managing traffic and road safety concerns 
•    Concern about local flooding and drainage
•    Ensuring any future development reflects the scale and character of the parish.

Visitors were able to view displays summarising the survey findings and learn more about how this evidence will be used to inform future planning policies and proposals.

Support for the next steps

As the Working Group gained a better understanding of the Neighbourhood Planning process, it became clear that preparing a Design Guidance document would be an important way of helping to shape future development in Eversley.

The document will set out the characteristics that make Eversley special and provide guidance on the design principles that any new development should follow. Once completed, it can be used by Hart District Council as a material planning consideration, helping to influence planning decisions even before the Neighbourhood Plan is formally adopted.

Visitors to the Open Day were asked whether they supported the preparation of a Design Guidance document, and the response was overwhelmingly positive, with unanimous support for the proposal.

The feedback received through both the Community Survey and the Open Day will now help shape the next stage of the Neighbourhood Plan. This includes developing a shared vision for Eversley's future and preparing planning policies that reflect the priorities and aspirations of the community.

The Working Group was encouraged by the level of interest and constructive discussion throughout the event and would like to thank everyone who attended, shared their views and contributed to the future of Eversley.

Presentation materials and a summary of the survey findings are available in the Documents section of the website.