One of the strongest messages from our community survey was that residents value Eversley's distinctive character. From its rural setting and historic buildings to its green spaces, mature trees and varied village streetscapes, people consistently told us that protecting the unique identity of the parish is a priority.

As the Neighbourhood Plan develops, one of the tools being considered is the creation of an Eversley Design Code.  This important document will be shared with Hart Planning and once accepted will be taken into account prior to the Neighbourhood Plan being completed.

The creation of a Design Code document was presented at the Community Open Day in February 2026.  The attendees were asked for their views on this approach and gave unanimous support for the proposal.

What is a Design Code?

A Design Code is a set of locally agreed principles that describe what good development should look like in a particular area.

Rather than focusing on whether development should happen, a Design Code focuses on how development should take place. It can provide guidance on issues such as:

  • Building scale and height.
  • Layout and spacing.
  • Architectural character.
  • Materials and appearance.
  • Landscaping and tree retention.
  • Boundary treatments.
  • Parking and street design.
  • Integration with the surrounding countryside.

The aim is to ensure that new development reflects the character and qualities that local people value most.

Why Isn't the Hart Local Plan Enough?

The Hart Local Plan contains a number of important policies relating to design and development. However, these policies apply across the whole district and are necessarily broad in nature.

Eversley has its own distinctive characteristics that set it apart from other settlements across Hart. The parish includes historic villages, rural lanes, important landscapes, extensive woodland, river corridors and a pattern of development that has evolved over many generations.

A parish-specific Design Code would provide more detailed guidance tailored to Eversley's unique character and circumstances.

It would help ensure that future development responds to local context rather than relying solely on district-wide policies.

What Could an Eversley Design Code Deliver?

A locally prepared Design Code could:

  • Help preserve the rural character of the parish.
  • Protect important views, landscapes and village settings.
  • Encourage development that respects local building traditions.
  • Support the retention of mature trees and natural features.
  • Improve the quality of future development.
  • Provide greater certainty for residents, developers and decision-makers.
  • Create a clear benchmark against which planning proposals can be assessed.

Most importantly, it would translate community aspirations into practical design guidance.

Building on Community Feedback

The proposal to explore a Design Code reflects many of the themes emerging from community engagement.

Residents have told us they value:

  • Eversley's rural identity.
  • Its distinctive villages and hamlets.
  • Historic character and heritage assets.
  • Green spaces and biodiversity.
  • Development that is sympathetic to its surroundings.

A Design Code would help turn these aspirations into a clear framework that can influence future planning decisions.

Looking Ahead

As work on the Neighbourhood Plan continues, the Working Group are developing a parish-specific Design Code that will add value to the planning framework for Eversley.

The objective is simple: to ensure that future development contributes positively to the parish and helps maintain the qualities that make Eversley such a special place to live, work and visit.

By planning ahead now, we can help ensure that future change enhances Eversley rather than eroding the character that residents value so highly.

The Design Code will be published in July - Make sure you register for alerts