20/10/2025
AMPORT PC – Chair notes in advance of meeting at MAVH on 20 October 2025
These notes are intended to update members of Amport Parish Council on relevant matters in the community, and to save time at the forthcoming meeting. The points are in no particular order. Points on other matters can be made at the meeting or in advance by the various members of the Council. Where Councillors are taking the lead on a project that is on the agenda, they are encouraged to circulate an update note before the meeting, where this is practical.
1. Weyhill – draft local plan
In my September note, I mentioned the objections to the draft local plan submitted by Lisa Jackson, consultant to the Dunning family, that proposed a markedly different alternative plan founded on building a significant number of homes into Penton Grafton. At the last PC meeting, whilst preserving our objections, the Council agreed that we should be prepared to engage with the Dunning plan. Penton Grafton PC also agreed that this was appropriate, and a note proposing a discussion was sent by me and Nigel Blackmore (PG PC) to Lisa Jackson last week.
Lisa has replied to me advising that the proposal is now being dealt with “in house” by Obsidian Strategic, who will make contact with us. The significance and the implications of this change of strategy by the Dunnings / Ewelme have not been explained.
I am continuing to liaise with other local PCs. The resistance to the plan locally has been bolstered by the comments of Southern Water, to the effect that significant infrastructure improvement is needed to support much of the planned development.
As regards TVBC, the message that we are getting back is that we must wait for the planning policy team to evaluate all comments and there is no indication as to when any response will be made, or if TVBC is genuinely interested in discussions with parish councils. In the interim, I have had contact with Andy Ferrier, Chief Executive of TVBC, following the meeting of the TVAPTC on 27th September. I told Andy that this PC was supportive of TVBC’s position on Local Government Reorganisation (see below) but that we strongly opposed the published draft local plan. In consequence, I have arranged a meeting with Andy and with Graham Smith, Head of Policy Planning at TVBC, on 7th November. I do not expect that we will hear where the draft local plan is heading until at least after that meeting.
Please do ask any questions or say if there are points you wish to make on the draft local plan. The planning applications on Dauntsey Lane are discussed later in this note.
2. Devolution / LGR issues
Both HCC and the various District Councils in Hampshire have presented their distinct proposals for LGR to HMG. Central government can then choose one option, or decide on its own approach. A provisional view from the government is expected in a month or so.
The issues of devolution / LGR were discussed at the TVAPTC on 27th September. One issue that was raised there by Andy Ferrier is that local government across the county is looking at “doing things differently” in an attempt to cut costs and streamline the processes of local government. For example, an idea that was mentioned is that local councils could pay members of the community to look after the local elderly where needed, which would save on the huge costs that are currently being expended on care.
At our meeting on 7th November, I will discuss with Andy the lessons learned through the pathfinder project and the PPPF, which in all have saved SW several million pounds, and have been effective. My personal view is that other utility companies and local authorities can learn lessons from our PPPF experience.
Please comment as you wish on any ideas that you have.
3. A342 working group
A separate, but connected, effort across Parishes from Ludgershall to Andover comes from the A342 Working Group. We can still use any local people in the area with expertise in or knowledge of traffic management etc who are willing to volunteer to help.
Howard Dix, along with others in other local villages, is working hard on developing ideas and seeking to obtain traffic data on the main roads and the “rat-runs” that might become busier if much development takes place in the area. A small cross-parish group is planning how we can best develop the ideas and prepare a useful report. Howard will present his ideas on Monday.
4. Village Green and fen
The goalposts are due to be moved.
There are still several dragons’ teeth missing along the road along the green. These should be replaced by HCC. As no sign of movement from HCC is apparent, I suggest that we ask Cllr Donnelly to press for an update.
The ditch on the verge along the green still needs clearing.
A tree in the southwest corner of the fen (PC responsibility) has some dead branches hanging over the road. I have asked Tony Darbyshire to advise.
Otherwise the green is tidy. Thanks to Ray Welch for his work.
5. Footpaths
Although Tessa is away on Monday, please report any footpath issues.
The fallen tree in the ford by The Hawk still needs to be moved. This is understood to be the responsibility of HCC and can also be raised with Cllr Donnelly.
6. Highways
Other than setting up of the A342 W/G and news on the speed signs, there is little to report on highways since the last meeting. There are still some various road defects previously reported to HCC, including on Monxton Road in Amport, and on the lay-by at Mullens Pond.
Please continue to report all road / verge / hedge / tree issues to HCC via the website.
7. Southern Water (SW)
The current domestic hosepipe ban with limited exceptions remains in place at present. SW is holding a teams call with interested parties on 13th November when we will get a further update ahead of winter.
SW has continued with its planned maintenance programme into the Autumn.
In this Parish, we have told SW about the unsatisfactory state of the road outside the water-pumping station in Amport. A decision still hasn’t been made by SW as to whether to make the layby at Mullens Pond permanent or whether to reinstate it to its original condition.
I have previously mentioned the plan that the PPPF will change its focus so as to encompass all communities in the Fullerton water treatment works area. The idea was that the wider PPPF would meet in early November. However, in our discussions with SW, SW has advised that a meeting is premature at present whilst it develops a realistic timetable and programme of works for the area. SW is now looking to hold its quarterly meeting in late November or early December. I will keep you posted.
8. Village Hall
It is desirable that at least a couple of residents of Amport become engaged in organising occasional events at the new Monxton and Amport Village hall. Does anyone have suggestions as to who might become actively involved please? The work in organising events and acting as trustees of the hall is mainly being done by Monxton residents at the moment. Amport residents are encouraged to share the load.
9. Amport House
The news from Another Place on Amport House is that an offer on the property has been received and accepted by Another Place, subject to contract. The legal process is in train. We await further news in the near future.
10. Planning Applications
a) Dauntsey Lane
You know that there are two applications for outline planning permission for developments of two plots. The speculative applications have been made in consequence of the DLP (above). Howard has made his local objections (circulated to local PC members), and the PC should also object on similar grounds and to reflect the objections to the DLP eg water / sewage / traffic etc. Please can the local PC residents co-ordinate with the clerk and with me to agree the objections, which should be consistent with the wiser objections to the DLP.
Please also send a copy of the PC’s final objections to our ward councillors.
b) Land on Keepers Hill
I am waiting to receive more comments from the neighbouring properties in Amport and will circulate a note to councillors on the feedback received at the weekend. I have a conflict of interest on our response - Diana and I are trustees of the neighbouring almshouses.
c) Tree work at Broadwater
This is my property. I declare a conflict of interest.
11. Resilience
There is a TVBC resilience forum meeting in King’s Somborne on Saturday 25th October, if anyone wishes to attend.
12. Community News
Test Valley BC has begun the food waste collections. If you are aware of any logistical issues in the parish on the food waste scheme, please let me or Heather know.
Following on from the preliminary discussions with local PC chairmen about sharing information, this was discussed further at the TVAPTC meeting on 27th September. The chairmen agreed that a small local group was the best approach. This approach can survive whatever LGR brings to the TVBC parishes and to the borough. As a result, a whatsapp group for local chairmen has been set up to assist communication.
We were recently approached by the police to ask if they might hold a beat surgery in Amport. The suggestion has been made that the village hall coffee morning (Mondays) might be a good venue for this. We are also investigating if a session with the police might also be held at the Fairground in Weyhill for the residents of the north part of the parish and for Penton Grafton parish.
I look forward to seeing most of you on Monday.
CH 16/10/25
