Cllr Susanne Hasselmann TVBC Anna Ward

05/09/2026

Borough Councillor Report

Cllr Maureen Flood and Cllr Susanne Hasselmann
September 2026

1. The dangers of battery and v**e recycling

We're asking all residents to consider the importance of recycling batteries, v**es and electrical items correctly following a recent fire in one of TVBC’s refuse collection vehicles.

The incident was dealt with safely and no one was injured. However, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene, taking resources away from an already busy service in August.

Investigations found several items in the waste, including a v**e, laptop, mobile phone and household batteries. We believe the fire may have been caused by an incorrectly disposed v**e.

As lithium-ion batteries become more common in everyday items, the risk of fires during waste collection and processing continues to increase. These fires can endanger crews, damage vehicles and cause disruption to local services.

We therefore ask you not to place batteries, v**es, phones, laptops or other electrical items in your household bin.
Residents can recycle:
• batteries at supermarkets, retailers, and Household Waste Recycling Centres
• v**es through participating retailers or Household Waste Recycling Centres
• electrical items, including laptops and mobile phones, at Household Waste Recycling Centres

More information about local recycling options is available on the Hampshire County Council website: https://www.hants.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling?utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery.

2. Annual Canvass 2026 about to begin

Residents across Test Valley will be contacted as part of the annual electoral canvass, an important process that helps ensure the electoral register remains accurate and up to date.

The canvass is a legal requirement. Its purpose is to confirm who lives at each address and who is eligible to be registered to vote. Keeping the register accurate helps protect the integrity of elections and ensures residents can take part in local and national polls.

The process involves a combination of data matching and direct communication with households. Some residents may receive an email invitation to check and confirm their details online, while others will receive a paper form. In some cases, where records cannot be fully matched, a response will be required even if there are no changes to report. Follow-up reminders and visits may be undertaken where necessary to obtain a response.

More information about the annual canvass, including details of the different communication routes and how residents can respond, is available on the Test Valley Borough Council website: www.testvalley.gov.uk/annualcanvass

Electoral Services can be contacted on 01264 368000 or [email protected]

3. Man fined after mattress, fridge freezer and furniture dumped in Andover

A man has been ordered to pay more than £1,300 after admitting to fly-tipping in Andover.

On 4 and 5 August 2025, the council received reports about waste dumped in Pasture Walk, Andover. The rubbish included broken furniture, a mattress, a fridge freezer and a chest freezer.

An investigation showed that a nearby property had been recently vacated and the occupier, Joshua Scarlett, admitted to leaving the waste outside the home to be collected but it wasn’t removed.
On 24 July 2026 at Southampton Magistrates’ Court, Mr Scarlett was fined £425 and ordered to pay £947 in costs.

Residents can report fly-tipping online at www.testvalley.gov.uk/fly-tipping.

4. Councils to consider support to help secure future of Andover Museum and Museum of the Iron Age

Test Valley Borough Council and Andover Town Council are proposing to join forces to consider support to secure the future of Andover Museum and the Museum of the Iron Age, with Hampshire Cultural Trust (HCT) seeking a combined funding package of £150,000.

The two councils have been working closely with the HCT, which operates the museum, to identify a long-term solution that protects one of Andover's most valued cultural and heritage attractions after fears it could close without long-term funding.

If agreed, Test Valley Borough Council will provide £100,000 and Andover Town Council will contribute £50,000 to support the museum to remain open through Local Government Reorganisation to March 2029. It is intended that this funding will provide time for HCT to explore more financially resilient and sustainable service delivery options and operating models in partnership with the new unitary authority and Andover Town Council.

The decision is subject to approval from councillors. The borough council will decide whether to approve their funding on 23 September, while the town council will consider their contribution on 9 September.

The request follows recent confirmation that Hampshire County Council has reviewed its support for the museum, in order to help to put the attraction and much-loved local asset on a more secure footing in the years ahead.

Andover Museum and the Museum of the Iron Age play an important role in preserving and sharing the town's story, welcoming visitors, supporting education and providing opportunities for people of all ages to connect with the area's rich heritage.

If funding is agreed, then the two respective councils will meet Hampshire Cultural trust on a regular basis over the next two and half years to make sure they are progressing a longer-term solution to ensure the sustainability of the museum.

Cllr Susanne Hasselmann, [email protected]
Cllr Maureen Flood, [email protected]

05/09/2026

And this is the end of our Fete season 2026. What fun we've had. Our final two village events in Goodworth Clatford last week and Abbotts Ann today. As a former fete organiser I know how much work is involved, so thank you to all the volunteers giving up their time to organise, set up, take down and man the stands. You are all wonderful and make village life so special.
👏👏👏👏👏👏

03/09/2026

In early August I was notified of issues with Evri deliveries around Upper Clatford. I followed the posts on the village Facebook group and also received several emails from residents with complaints about Evri deliveries. These included undelivered, misdelivered and lost parcels, as well as poor delivery methods (parcels thrown out of car windows rather than delivered by hand to the door) and speeding delivery vans. There was also a post purporting to be an Evri page which people could use to register their complaints.

I raised these issues with Evri twice over the last few weeks and have had a response (see summary points below), some of which have already featured on the Upper Clatford Facebook group thanks to Julia Shah whom I have been working with. Julia also posted a poll on 25th August with the following results:

Question: "Have you experienced any problems with Evri delivery?"

The responses were as follows:
Yes - 90 votes and 77% of responses
No - 26 votes and 22% of responses

I have now written to Evri for the third time emphasising that there is a systemic problem. I am waiting for their response.

This is a previous response from Evri following my two emails:

• This page [the one purporting to be an Evri complaints registration page] is a scam and has nothing to do with Evri. It is most likely scammers trying to get information from consumers to try and extort payments from them. Please advise any constituents not to engage with it. Evri has two complaints channels which are a phone number and a chat service, both linked on our web site in the complaint section.

• If any parcels are missing or have been delivered to an incorrect address consumers should contact the sender (usually a retailer) in the first instance so they can arrange a refund or a replacement. Evri cannot do this.

• If constituents would like customer services to look into individual parcels they can contact them here: https://www.evri.com/contact-us

04/08/2026

⚠️ WATER SUPPLIER SCAM WARNING ⚠️

Hampshire Police have warned that residents elsewhere have received fake messages claiming to be from their local water supplier. These messages may use genuine-looking logos and professional language.

They could arrive by text, email or social media and may say:

💧 “There is now a hosepipe ban. Click here to see if your area is affected.”

💧 “You are eligible for a free water-saving kit. Click here to claim it.”

💧 “Your water bill is changing due to restrictions. Update your payment details here.”

The links may lead to convincing fake websites designed to steal personal or financial information, including bank details, card information, passwords and PINs.

Please protect yourself:

✅ Don’t click links in unexpected messages.
✅ Check information directly on your water supplier’s official website.
✅ Never provide sensitive information after following a link.
✅ If you’re unsure, contact your water company using the trusted details printed on your bill.

A genuine water supplier will not ask you to update payment details or provide sensitive information through an unsolicited message.

Report suspicious messages:

📱 Forward suspicious texts to 7726.
📧 Forward suspicious emails to [email protected].

Official websites:

• Southern Water: https://www.southernwater.co.uk/
• Portsmouth Water: https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/ — 023 9249 9888
• South East Water: https://www.southeastwater.co.uk/
• Thames Water: https://www.thameswater.co.uk/
• Find your supplier: https://www.water.org.uk/customers/find-your-supplier

Please share this warning, particularly with friends or relatives who may be more vulnerable to scams.

02/08/2026

Well, What can I say?

I suppose I'm always happy to see one of my residents (caught on camera).

Once again, a wonderful day at Trout 'N About. Well done everyone involved - a great day to showcase Stockbridge, the delicious local foods and talented local crafts people.

28/07/2026

On Wednesday 22nd July 2026, Test Valley Borough Council decided to change the direction of the Draft Local Plan* from the ‘legacy’ plan-making system to the new ‘gateway’ plan-making system. I voted for this change in direction.

This is an important decision, and I thought it worthwhile to explain why I voted the way I did. The following is my understanding of the situation.

1. What does this change in direction mean, and what are the implications for our communities?

Whichever plan-making system we opt for, it is not an immediate solution to stemming the tide of speculative housing applications that we are currently experiencing all over the Test Valley. With continuing changes in Government policy the Borough Council, and Councillors in particular, have now lost much of the power they used to have in helping their communities fight inappropriate developments. Irrespective of whether we opt for a legacy or the new gateway system, we will continue to see a wave of speculative applications in countryside locations where infrastructure is poor until such time we have met the five-year housing supply target. Unfortunately it is now likely that the Borough Council will also not meet its completion target (net completion of houses over the past three years) due to the lack of actual house building which would automatically continue the assumption in favour of development even with a Local Plan and a five-year housing supply.

Additionally, it is my understanding that from October this year we, as Councillors, will be taken out of the process of decision making for all planning applications. It will be up to the planning officers to make the recommendations and Borough Councillors will no longer be able to call applications to Committee where Councillors can make the final decision. In addition, any developments for over 150 houses in the future can be referred to the Secretary of State if the recommendation is for refusal. We are therefore exposed to continuing applications and land banking by developers across the Test Valley without having the power to refuse them.

With these changes and the increasing lead times for Local Plan inspection under the legacy system, we will continue to be exposed to speculative planning applications for several years.

2. What can we do? Should we just give up?

No, of course not. It is becoming even more critical that local communities work with their Borough Councillors to fight inappropriate developments and to communicate the local challenges to the planning officers, as well as develop their own NDPs (Neighbourhood Development Plans). We know that a bus stop doesn’t mean there are buses running, that there will be more traffic due to the rat runs through our villages, as well as the safety risks for walkers. We also know where the flooding takes place, or how difficult it is to get children into local schools or be registered at a local GP practice.

I see my role as Borough Councillor in facilitating this process and offering advice and guidance, as well as offering a communication channel into the Council and its planning officers. We all need to continue to fight for our countryside and rural villages.

3. Why the change of direction from ‘legacy’ to new ‘gateway’ plan making system?

In simple terms, the Government continues to move the goal posts for local plan-making and the planning process, at the same time as continuing with Local Government Reorganisation. Both these Government-instigated changes do not align, and are not clearly defined yet. As a result we find ourselves navigating a process full of uncertainties, imposed deadlines and unrealistic expectations.

To understand the situation better, let’s go back to the beginning:

DECEMBER 2024: The Labour Government issued a new Planning Policy Framework (PPF) in which it mandated local authorities to increase their housing supply. Traditionally Test Valley had always done well in consulting local communities, and before December 2024 the authority had a plan that would have easily delivered the mandated five-year housing supply thus providing communities with the protection from speculative planning applications. Overnight, the five-year housing supply disappeared as a result of the Government mandating an additional 78% houses to be built.

At the time of the changes in December 2024, Test Valley Borough Council was close to submitting its Draft 19 Local Plan for inspection. Unfortunately due to the timing of the Test Valley planning process (other local authorities were on different plan timetables) the Council found itself in a difficult position, and therefore wrote to the Government to ask for transitional arrangements. Transitional arrangements would have let the Council achieve a plan that ensured a systematic and consultative approach to planning across the Test Valley. The Government's response refused to consider any transitional arrangements.

Test Valley Borough Council therefore had to deal with the situation it was presented with.

To find the additional housing numbers, the Council set about finding additional areas in the Borough that could be developed. The only way of meeting the very tight timetable imposed by the Government was to review development plots which formed part of the SHELAA (Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment; the document that contains all the land that had previously been promoted to the Borough Council by landowners as potential development land) and which during the previous Local Plan-making process were dismissed as not suitable. The SHELAA land was therefore reviewed again, setting the bar of acceptability lower than it had been originally, in order to make up for the missing housing numbers and meet the tight timeframe for submitting the Local Plan to inspectors by the end of 2026. The resulting draft Local Plan 18 went to public consultation in July 2025.

The consultation and particularly the parcels of land around Weyhill and Stockbridge met with much public criticism. During the consultation some of the land in Weyhill, Stockbridge and Appleshaw was withdrawn by the landowners leading to a shortfall of around 800 houses for the Local Plan. In addition, the large number of comments received as part of the process had to be processed, read and considered. In addition, the Borough Council was offered additional housing sites as part of the consultation process. All this information had to be processed and analysed.

After further consideration it was decided that a further public consultation would need to take place in order to consider any further housing allocations that would make up the shortfall of 800 houses. This would then put at risk the deadline of submitting the Draft 19 Local Plan to the inspectors at the end of 2026. If the deadline could not be met (which was very likely), a considerable amount of resources would be wasted.

Another option would be to ask the Government for an extension. This was a possibility but not guaranteed by any means. If we were to gain an extension to the Draft Local Plan submission deadline, and with the inspection timelines having extended considerably, it was becoming unlikely that we would have a fully approved plan before April 2028 when Test Valley Borough Council would cease to exist. With no guidance in place on what will happen to Local Plans as part of the transition to unitary authorities, this option became risky, too.

Our future partners in the new Mid Hampshire Unitary Council, East Hampshire District Council and Wi******er City Council, have decided to pursue the new ‘gateway’ system for the Local Plan process now. New Forest is also considering it.

Bearing in mind the uncertainties and risks, as well as any benefits associated with continuing with the legacy system, the large number of speculative applications coming through and the Government's latest changes to the decision making powers of Councillors, I voted for the recommendation to change direction and embark on the new ‘gateway’ local planning system that would align us to the new world of unitary authorities and mayoral authority sooner rather than later. It will allow us to look towards the future.

This does not prevent any of the speculative applications coming through the system, but nor would a legacy planning system.

It could be argued that we as Borough Councillors should just refuse to do any of it, and refuse any applications coming through. Not preparing a Local Plan would just mean that the Government would mandate it and we would have no influence on its direction. Just refusing planning applications is also not an option as appeals can be launched by developers which will be decided by a Government-employed inspector and the Council would have to bear the cost if the appeal is successful, thus wasting taxpayers’ (i.e. our) money.

As I said during my statement at Council, ‘we are between a rock and a hard place’. In the end we all need to work closely with our communities and fight within a system that is stacked against us all.

4. The Lib Dems abstained on the vote and accused the Borough Council as missing the boat

I try not to make these posts political, but in this instance I have to counter some of the arguments.

The Lib Dems argued at Council that Test Valley Borough Council could have done more and should have had a Local Plan submitted earlier. Their argument was that Lib Dem Wi******er City Council had an approved plan.

Wi******er City had an approved plan because they were on a different timetable. Test Valley had an agreed process that would have delivered a Local Plan in plenty of time but the Government issued a new housing target in December 2024.

Abstaining from a critical vote like this is, in my view, not taking responsibility.

* A Local Plan is an official document created by the local council. It sets out a vision, rules, and a 15-year framework for future housing, business, roads, and environmental protection in an area. Councils use it as the main guide to decide on planning applications.

16/07/2026

Thank you, Caroline Nokes, for your continuing work alongside us Councillors, parish councils and residents.

The Test along with its tributaries is the lifeblood of the Test Valley and is a unique and rare habitat which we must protect at all cost.

Thank you to everyone involved in this endeavour.

I welcome the action taken by the Environment Agency following the serious pollution incident affecting the River Test near Stockbridge.

Southern Water has pleaded guilty to two charges relating to breaches of its environmental permit at the Fullerton Wastewater Treatment Works, with sentencing to take place at a later date.

The River Test is one of our internationally important chalk streams and must be properly protected. The Environment Agency’s investigation identified significant equipment failures at the site, as well as a failure to report concerns when problems affecting the quality of treated effluent became known.

I would like to thank Environment Agency officers for their vigilance in identifying the pollution, tracing its source and pursuing this prosecution.

Water companies must meet their environmental responsibilities, report failures promptly and be held properly accountable when those standards are not met. I will continue to support strong action to protect our rivers and chalk streams.

14/07/2026

As a result of Government constantly moving the goal posts, the Council is considering the future of Local Plan development in the Test Valley.

We need more housing but this should be planned strategically with infrastructure in place and support from our communities. Recent community development plans have shown this can be done well.

Unfortunately the Government's policies are taking decision-making away from planning authorities whilst completely disregarding the risk to sustainable development. As a result we are seeing a deluge of speculative applications and land banking across our beautiful countryside which, ultimately, will not deliver the housing numbers the Government hope for. Hasn't anyone told them that people buy houses when the economy is growing and developers will build when there is strong demand. Simple economics. Their current policies will therefore not deliver.

Here is the press release issued by TVBC today:

Heavy criticism for Whitehall as council lays bare relentless government changes obstructing local planning process

06/07/2026

July 2026 - Borough Councillor Report

Cllr Susanne Hasselmann and Cllr Maureen Flood

1. Upper Clatford community digs into local history

Upper Clatford History and Archaeology Group launched its first community excavation in June at the base of Sam White’s Hill, bringing local history to life with hands-on exploration.

Volunteers started work searching for remains of the New Inn pub, which burned down in the late 1800s. The site has long been the subject of local stories, with tales of lively scenes and frequent fights adding to its intrigue.

The project has been supported by Maureen and I through the councillor community grant scheme, helping the group buy essential tools.

On Wednesday, 1st July 2026, the History Group met at Upper Clatford Village Hall to report on their findings so far. It was a fantastic event, charting the experience of volunteer and archaeologists.

Further weekend dates at the dig site are planned as follows:
- 11th, 12th , 25th and 26th July (possible additional date for Monday 13th and 27th July)
- 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 30th August (possible additional date for Monday 24th and 31st August).

Please come along and give it a go!


2. Southern Water

Southern Water is continuing its river enhancement works along the river Anton in the town centre. Following vegetation and tree management works along Western Avenue earlier this year, the next stage focuses on improving the river channel itself.

The works began on 8 June and are expected to complete by 31 July. At times, the river may appear temporarily cloudy or light brown in colour. This is a natural effect caused by sediment being disturbed as part of the improvement works. Site notices are in place with contact details of Southern Water representatives.

During the works there will be a temporary lane closure along Western Avenue. Advanced warning signs are in place.

3. Hosepipe Ban

A hosepipe ban will come into force in Hampshire and Isle of Wight from 00:01am on Friday 10 July. This means you will not be able to:
Use a hose for the following activities:

• Watering your garden including using sprinkler systems
• Filling or topping up paddling pools, swimming pools, hot tubs, ponds or fountains
• Washing cars, patios or windows

You can still use water:

• for drinking, cooking, showering and washing your clothes
• in watering can or bucket

4. Village Fete Season is in full swing

From May to early September village Fetes are happening all over the area and our ward is no exception. Last weekend, 4th July, Amport and Monxton Fete was a wonderful event with classic cars, lots of games, local crafts and much, much more. The season will finish with Goodworth Clatford on 31st August and Abbotts Ann on 5th September.

We’ll see you all there!

5. Butterfly Day at Bury Hill

TARCA and Test Valley Borough Council’s Countryside Team are running a drop-in Butterfly Day at Bury Hill Meadows on 12 July between 10am and 2pm.

Parking is limited so please walk, cycle or car share where possible.
There will also be a downloadable butterfly trail which will be left onsite until the 20th July and available online: https://testvalley.gov.uk/communityandleisure/naturereserves/free-activity-visit-schools-test-valley-nature-res .

Cllr Susanne Hasselmann, [email protected]
Cllr Maureen Flood, [email protected]

03/07/2026

HAMPSHIRE’S WATER RESOURCES UNDER PRESSURE

After an exceptionally wet winter, Hampshire has experienced a remarkably dry spring.

Southern Water reports that rainfall was only:

• 57% of the long-term average in March
• 27% in April
• 60% in May

This means our water resources are coming under pressure before the main summer period has even begun. Southern Water warns that, without further action, demand could exceed available supply during dry conditions by 2030.

Residents can help by using water carefully, particularly during hot weather, and Southern Water has launched an online calculator offering personalised suggestions for reducing household water use.

However, responsibility cannot simply be placed upon customers. Southern Water must continue tackling leaks, increasing the resilience of its network and investing in the new infrastructure needed to secure Hampshire’s future water supply.

The company has also published a draft Drought Plan explaining how it proposes to manage prolonged dry periods and is inviting customers to comment.

Water-saving calculator: https://www.southernwater.co.uk/water-calculator/

Draft Drought Plan consultation:https://www.southernwater.co.uk/about-us/our-plans/drought-plan/