The purpose of this Plan is to allow the residents of Hartley Wintney to help shape the development and construction of the future Hartley Wintney while minimising the destruction of those historic and other elements which are seen to add value to living in this parish

Present day Hartley Wintney is predominantly a residential area enjoying rural surroundings and supported by retail businesses, light industry, service businesses and with a population employed in a mix of local and surrounding areas with some commuting to larger conurbations.

It has a long history dating back to 1234 when the church of St Mary's was built by the nuns from the nearby Wintney Convent amongst a small settlement of subsistence farmers on the highest point of the area. Its history is evidenced by, not least, 76 listed buildings, from large country houses – West Green House – to Middle Age churches – St Mary’s – to local pubs – The Waggon and Horses.

It is surrounded on all sides by heathland, ancient woodland, arable land and green spaces.

Despite some significant post WWII residential developments, it maintains the feel of a village evidenced by such as the magnificent central oak common, whose trees were planted shortly after the Battle of Trafalgar and the cricket green which is home to one of the first cricket clubs in the country. It has an active and busy local community evidenced through such as the large number of local associations connected with social well-being, charity, sport, history, religion, schools, etc and the number of regularly used meeting facilities including halls, club houses, restaurants, tea and coffee houses.

It is central to making the wider area, Hart, recognised as one of the most desirable areas in the country in which to live.

These environmental and historical amenities are in our hands to protect for future generations. Development will always be an essential factor of an ever-changing society addressing current and future needs and the Neighbourhood Plan will shape and manage this development while, at the same time, seek to preserve our precious and fragile environment.

BACKGROUND

The area in which we live is shaped by many factors each of which delivers varying degrees of ‘agreeability’ upon the individual depending upon their needs, circumstances and tastes. Construction and development reshape and change the area and, while each associated project may be intended to deliver improvements, the consequences of these changes will be seen and felt differently, and perceived in a more positive or negative manner, by those who reside, work and pass through the area. Similarly, consequences may also be felt from the absence of development in the area or by that in neighbouring areas.

Development is driven by perceived needs from both within and outside an area. New or replacement housing, industrial buildings, agricultural changes and transport links are obvious major developments.

Developments are controlled through our planning regulations. Through the Localism Act 2012 the Government has encouraged all local communities to produce a Neighbourhood Plan. A Neighbourhood Plan is a statutory and binding document which, through consultation, represents the views and concerns of all residents and will influence the future of an area for years to come.

A Neighbourhood Plan is especially important to Hartley Wintney at this point in time since our community is currently at risk of development proceeding within a planning vacuum that exists, caused by Hart having no Local Plan or planning strategy.