Cllr Jay Ganesh

18/04/2026

Great conversations on doors today.

Great to be out and about again chatting with residents ahead of the local elections 👇

There’s nothing better than doorstep conversations — hearing what people really think, what matters to them, and where we need to focus.

Today we were in Sherborne St John introducing our fantastic local candidate Karl Rand - Community Campaigner. Plenty of positive conversations and real engagement from people who care about their community.

And yes… before anyone asks — Cllr Jay Ganesh is behind the camera as usual! 📸

If we haven’t caught you yet, we’ll be knocking soon 👍

08/03/2026

Thank you to Kit Malthouse MP for co-sponsoring the Chalk Streams UNESCO Bill, an important step that could bring global attention and stronger protection to the precious chalk streams flowing through Basingstoke and across North West Hampshire.

These rivers are part of a rare and remarkable natural ecosystem found in only a few places in the world, and they deserve the highest level of recognition and care. Securing UNESCO status would help highlight their global significance while strengthening the case for long-term conservation and responsible stewardship.

Your commitment to championing this cause over many years has played a vital role in raising awareness of these unique waterways and the need to safeguard them for future generations. This bill could become a powerful building block in ensuring these habitats are properly valued and protected.



Cllr Simon Minas-Bound Cllr Jay Ganesh Councillor Rhydian Vaughan MBE

I am a proud co-sponsor of the Chalk Streams UNESCO Bill which would bring global level attention and protection to our precious rivers in NW Hants. I have campaigned over many years now for this rare and unique natural phenomenon to be safeguarded for the future, and this could be an excellent building block in their defence.

25/02/2026

Why do some estates pay service charges for roads and green spaces, while others don’t?

The short answer is that it comes down to whether infrastructure on an estate is adopted by the council or kept private.

Traditionally, when a new housing estate was built:
✅ Roads, footpaths and street lighting were adopted by the highway authority
✅ Play areas and public open spaces were adopted and maintained by the council
✅ The cost of maintaining those areas was shared across everyone through council tax

That’s why older estates normally don’t have estate service charges.
On many newer developments, however, some or all of those areas remain private. Instead of being adopted, they are maintained by a management company, and residents on that estate pay directly for the upkeep through an annual service charge.

This can include things like:
• Grass cutting and landscaping
• Play areas
• Private roads and lighting
• Drainage areas
• Open spaces
• Litter picking or bin emptying in some cases

The issue many residents raise is that they still pay full council tax, but also have to pay additional estate charges for services that used to be publicly maintained.

It’s also often not obvious when buying a home that this arrangement exists, or what the long-term costs and responsibilities might be.

To be clear — management companies themselves aren’t always a problem. Some work well. The difficulty arises when:
• Areas are handed over in poor condition
• Costs aren’t transparent
• Residents have little control over managing agents
• Or responsibilities between council and management company aren’t clear

This is why Cllr Simon Minas-Bound has raised the issue nationally through the Local Government Association, as more and more households are affected.

If you’re unsure whether your estate is adopted or privately managed, feel free to ask below or send me a message and I’ll try to point you in the right direction.

Ultimately you will also find it in your purchase / rental agreements. You will have signed up for it - even if you have forgotten!

Why So Much of My Casework Now Is About Estate Management Companies — And Why I’ve Taken This National

Over the last ten years, one issue has quietly become one of the biggest sources of frustration for residents across newer housing estates — private management companies.

It’s now such a common problem locally that I’ve submitted evidence to the Local Government Association (LGA) based on our experience here in our ward, because what we are seeing in one ward alone is clearly part of a much bigger national issue.

Across several developments locally, roads, paths, green spaces, play areas and even street lighting are not adopted by the council. Instead, they’re maintained by private management companies, with residents paying service charges on top of their council tax.

And this is where the problems start.

Residents move into new homes expecting normal arrangements, only to discover later that:
• Areas have been handed over in poor condition, leaving residents to pick up the long-term costs.
• Different parts of the same estate are treated differently.
• Nobody is clear who empties bins or maintains public areas.
• Managing agents are difficult to contact or slow to respond.
• Bills arrive with very little explanation of what work has actually been done.

In some cases, residents are left dealing with problems years after moving in — issues that really should have been resolved before anything was handed over.

A common theme is that developers control management companies in the early years and appoint managing agents before residents have any real say. By the time residents take control, they inherit the consequences.

As councillors, we now spend a huge amount of time helping residents simply work out who is responsible for what, or how to challenge poor service. That shouldn’t be the case.

What this has also shown very clearly is the value of what councils do. When roads, lighting, parks and open spaces are publicly maintained, costs are shared fairly and transparently. When they are privatised, the real cost becomes very obvious — and residents often feel like they are paying twice (maybe three times in flats).

My submission to the LGA calls for national government to step in and fix this by:

✅ Making adoption of roads and public spaces the normal expectation
✅ Independent checks before assets are handed over
✅ Proper regulation of managing agents
✅ Transparent service charge accounts
✅ Clear legal arrangements that don’t affect house sales or mortgages
✅ Better preparation for residents taking over management companies

This isn’t about stopping development — we need new homes. But we also need a system that is fair to the people who live in them long after the developer has moved on.

Simon

Cllr Jay Ganesh
Councillor Arun MummalaNeni
Councillor Rhydian Vaughan MBE
Kit Malthouse MP

23/01/2026

🚨 A big thank you to everyone who took the time to submit your responses to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's Regulation 18 Local Plan consultation! 🙏

As your local councillor, along with my Basingstoke Conservatives colleagues, I have raised several key issues we’ve heard from residents. Let’s hope this administration listens to our concerns rather than acting as a delivery vehicle for this Labour Government, which has no interest in our countryside or preserving village identities.

Please find my submission attached, and here’s a breakdown of the main concerns:

1️⃣ Overdevelopment & Loss of Green Spaces: The scale of new housing, particularly in Sherborne St John and Rooksdown, threatens our strategic gaps and village identities.

2️⃣ Infrastructure Capacity & Delivery: Concerns are growing about the ability to deliver essential services (schools, health, roads) to keep pace with housing growth.

3️⃣ Environmental Impact: We’re worried about biodiversity loss, climate change effects, and the risk to protected landscapes, such as the Wey Brook and Sherborne St John Conservation Area.

4️⃣ Traffic, Congestion & Public Transport: Increased traffic, especially around Chineham Lane and Elm Road, needs urgent attention. Residents are calling for better public transport to reduce car reliance.

5️⃣ Affordable Housing: While more homes are needed, there’s concern the Plan prioritises high-end developments over affordable housing for local families and key workers.

6️⃣ Loss of Village Identity: Fear of settlement coalescence between Basingstoke and surrounding villages like Sherborne St John, undermining the strategic gap policy.

7️⃣ Site Selection & Transparency: The selection of constrained sites like Upper Swallick, Popham, and Skates Lane lacks clear explanation and risks undermining the Plan’s credibility.

8️⃣ Heritage Concerns: There’s concern about developments near heritage sites like The Vyne and Sherborne St John Conservation Area. These need better protections.

9️⃣ Renewable Energy Proposals: Opposition is growing to large-scale solar and wind farms in sensitive areas, fearing their cumulative impact on the landscape and local amenity.

🔟 Clarity & Communication: Many residents feel the consultation lacked clarity and was filled with technical jargon. We need more engagement and transparency moving forward.

Basingstoke residents are calling for better planning, stronger infrastructure, and a more community-focused Local Plan. Let’s protect our village character, green spaces, and heritage while supporting sustainable growth. 🌱🏡

09/01/2026

💚 Really pleased to share some fantastic news from Down Grange Community 💚

After months of uncertainty and concern, it’s finally been confirmed that Down Grange Park is no longer being considered for the relocation of the pitch and putt. This is a huge relief for so many people who use and love this beautiful community space, and it truly marks a victory for the residents who have fought so hard to protect it.

This has been a long, challenging journey, but we’ve reached the right outcome thanks to the determination and relentless efforts of the Down Grange Community campaign group and the many residents including from our ward who joined in the fight to save our park. These passionate individuals gave their time and energy to ensure that the community’s voice was heard.

Here’s a huge thank you to all those who:
• Signed petitions to show their support
• Attended meetings and made their voices heard in the face of adversity
• Asked tough questions and demanded answers about the future of the park
• Shared their personal stories of how important this space is to them, whether for a daily walk, a game of sport, dog exercise, or family gatherings
• Remained respectful, determined, and unified throughout the entire process

It has been incredibly inspiring to see how the community came together to protect something so meaningful. Residents’ voices were absolutely key in getting this decision reversed, and it’s proof of what we can achieve when we stand together.

This victory is also a clear reminder of just how important it is that local voices should have been listened to early and properly by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council administration. Decisions that impact our everyday lives, especially concerning valued community spaces like Down Grange Park, should never be made without genuine and meaningful consultation. I fully support the hope expressed by the campaigners that moving forward, decisions of this nature will always involve the local community’s input and a real understanding of how these spaces are used day-to-day.

Down Grange Park is a special place. It’s where we walk, exercise our dogs, play sports, spend quality time with our families, and find peace and wellbeing. For so many of us, it’s more than just a park; it’s a vital part of our community and daily life. The effort to preserve it has shown just how much this space means to all of us.

So, a huge thank you to everyone who fought so hard, who stayed engaged, and who showed incredible resilience throughout this process. Your collective effort has made all the difference.

🌳 This victory belongs to all of you! 💚

20/12/2025

A big thank you to all the firefighters 🚒 who attended a small fire incident in West End in our ward this morning.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service officers 🚒, along with our incredible emergency services 🚓🚑, who are working throughout Christmas to keep our residents safe. 🎄

Your dedication and service are truly appreciated. 🙏💙

Cllr Simon Minas-Bound | Councillor Rhydian Vaughan MBE | Cllr Jay Ganesh

16/12/2025

🌳✨ Protecting Our Natural Landscapes in and around Basingstoke and Deane! ✨🌳

Hampshire is home to some of the most beautiful and nationally important landscapes, including the South Downs and the North Wessex Downs National Landscapes. 🌄 These stunning areas aren't just pretty to look at, they play a huge role in:

✅ Protecting wildlife and biodiversity
✅ Combating climate change
✅ Boosting public health through outdoor activities
✅ Supporting local businesses via tourism and sustainable land management

The motion proposed by Cllr Juliet Henderson at Hampshire County Council focuses on strengthening protections for Hampshire’s key national landscapes, including the South Downs and New Forest National Parks. These landscapes are vital for wildlife, biodiversity, climate action, public health, and local economies through tourism and sustainable management.

The council has resolved to:

🌳Urge the Government to maintain strong legal protections for National Parks and AONBs (now called National Landscapes).

🌳Support the implementation of recommendations from the Glover Review to enhance nature recovery and public access.

🌳Continue promoting and protecting Hampshire’s natural heritage

Let’s work together to protect our natural heritage and enjoy the benefits of cleaner air, healthier ecosystems, and a thriving local economy! 💚🌳🌍

07/12/2025

🎄 Supporting Small Business Saturday in Charter Alley! 🛍️

This Saturday morning we held one of our regular ward surgeries at the brilliant Charter Alley Village Store - a great reminder of how important small businesses are in keeping our towns and villages thriving.

From village shops to independent cafés, tradespeople, and local makers, these businesses are the backbone of our communities. They create jobs, keep money local, and add so much character to the places we all call home.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to share their thoughts and concerns. Your voices help shape the work we do every day.

If you can, please support this store and the many fantastic local businesses across our towns and villages today (and everyday). Every purchase truly makes a difference.

🎄 Supporting Small Business Saturday in Charter Alley! 🛍️

This morning we held one of our regular ward surgeries at the brilliant Charter Alley Village Store — a great reminder of how important small businesses are in keeping our towns and villages thriving.

From village shops to independent cafés, tradespeople, and local makers — these businesses are the backbone of our communities. They create jobs, keep money local, and add so much character to the places we all call home.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to share their thoughts and concerns. Your voices help shape the work we do every day.

If you can, please support this store and the many fantastic local businesses across our towns and villages today (and everyday).

Every purchase truly makes a difference.



Cllr Jay Ganesh
Councillor Rhydian Vaughan MBE

09/11/2025

We will remember them!!!

As a long-time volunteer with the London Poppy Appeal, I've witnessed the amazing work the Royal British Legion does to support our Veterans and their families. Their bravery and dedication to our country deserve our full support, especially when it comes to housing, mental health, and community care.

Here in Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, we are committed to making sure our Veterans have the safe, secure homes and support they need. No one who has served should ever face homelessness.

If you see a poppy collector out and about, please take a moment to stop by, have a chat, and donate if you can. Every contribution, big or small, really does make a difference. ❤️💂‍♂️🌺

01/11/2025

📢 Objection to Section 106 Variation – Merton Rise Phase 2C

I spoke at the Development Control Committee meeting few months ago regarding the proposed variation to the Section 106 agreement for Merton Rise Phase 2C, where approval was ultimately granted by committee members.

Persimmon had proposed to sell the land to VIVID, who intend to deliver 100% affordable housing on the site using funding from Homes England.

I spoke to formally object to this variation, not because I oppose affordable housing (which I strongly support), but because the way it was proposed undermined our Local Plan and the principles of balanced, inclusive communities.

Our Local Plan is clear:
🏘️ Policy CN1 calls for mixed-tenure, sustainable neighbourhoods.
🏡 Policy CN2 emphasises the importance of avoiding social segregation.

Delivering an entire phase of 138 homes as affordable housing went directly against these principles. It replaced the “pepper-potting” approach where affordable and market homes are integrated with one that isolates tenure and risks creating division.
Promises made to residents during earlier phases of Merton Rise included a clear commitment to integration, and this proposal broke that commitment.

It was also important to note that Merton Rise already exceeded the borough’s affordable housing target, with around 41% of homes designated as affordable above the 40% target. This variation was therefore unnecessary to meet policy requirements and, in fact, undermined the intent of fair and balanced delivery.
I also raised concerns about the lack of meaningful community engagement. No proactive consultation took place before the variation was submitted; it was only after residents voiced their concerns that the developers arranged a meeting. This reactive approach fell short of the transparent, community-led process residents deserve.

While we all want to see homes built, progress should never come at the cost of thoughtful and balanced development. Shortcuts in planning risk long-term harm to the quality, cohesion, and sustainability of our communities.

In summary, this variation contradicted our Local Plan, broke promises to residents, and risked creating an isolated pocket of housing disconnected from the rest of the Merton Rise development. I urged the committee to refuse the variation and called on VIVID and Persimmon to reconsider their approach, so that Merton Rise can remain a truly integrated and sustainable community.

However, despite my representation on the day, and the objection submitted by my fellow ward councillor Cllr Simon Minas-Bound to Planning Officers and the Development Control Committee, approval was ultimately granted by committee members.

26/10/2025

☕ Listening to Our Rural Communities – Charter Alley Visit 🌾

It was a real pleasure to join Donna Jones 4 Mayor, our Conservative candidate for Mayor, and Kit Malthouse MP at the Charter Alley Village Store a true hub of our rural community life.

These visits are more than just meet-and-greets. They’re an opportunity to listen directly to residents and rural businesses about the real issues shaping everyday life in our villages and rural areas. 💬

We had some really valuable conversations about key issues across Sherborne St John and Rooksdown Ward, including:

🔹 The Cranesfield planning application (Sherborne St John) – Residents expressed deep concerns about the potential impact on traffic, local infrastructure, and the rural character of the village. Any future development must be sensitive, sustainable, and proportionate to our existing community.

🔹 Stokes Lane Solar Farm proposals – Many residents shared their worries about the scale of development, loss of agricultural land, and potential environmental consequences. Renewable energy is important, but we must ensure it is delivered in the right places, with full and genuine local consultation.

🔹 Rural business sustainability – Local shopkeepers, farmers, and small business owners spoke about the ongoing challenges of rising costs, transport access, and digital connectivity. Supporting our rural economy is vital to keeping these communities vibrant and self-sufficient.

🔹 Infrastructure and transport links – Residents highlighted the need for better bus services, safer rural roads, and improved cycling and walking routes to connect villages more effectively with Basingstoke town.

🔹 Community facilities and engagement – From village halls to local green spaces, residents emphasised how important it is to protect shared spaces that bring people together and to make sure residents are properly consulted before decisions are made.

It’s always encouraging to see senior voices taking the time to listen directly to our rural communities. As your local councillors, we’ll continue to push for:

✅ Stronger engagement with residents and parish councils before major planning decisions are taken.
✅ Better protection for our countryside and rural heritage.
✅ Support for local businesses to thrive in challenging times.
✅ Balanced, evidence-led planning that works with our communities, not imposed on them by the Government or Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Our countryside is what makes this part of Basingstoke and Deane so special and it’s essential that local residents and rural businesses remain at the heart of every decision that affects them.

Thank you to everyone who came out to chat with us at Charter Alley. Your voices matter, and they’re being heard. 🌿💙



Cllr Simon Minas-Bound | Cllr David McIntyre | Councillor Rhydian Vaughan MBE | Donna Jones 4 Mayor | Kit Malthouse MP

26/10/2025

We’ll soon be saying goodbye to PCSO Emma Page who has been a great asset for Basingstoke Cops in North of the Town. Emma has been a familiar and much-loved presence in our community for many years. Emma has served Basingstoke with dedication, warmth, and genuine community spirit, always ready to stop for a chat, offer advice, and help keep our neighbourhoods safe.

She’ll soon be starting a new role within Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, and while she’ll be greatly missed here in Rooksdown and neighbouring wards, we wish her every success in the next chapter of her policing career.

Thank you, Emma, for your outstanding service and support, you’ve truly been the best PCSO we’ve ever had. You’ll always be welcome back in our community! 👏💙

We’ll soon be saying goodbye to PCSO Emma Page, who has been a familiar and much-loved face across our patch for more years than it would be polite to remind her! 👮‍♀️💬

Emma has served Basingstoke with dedication, warmth and real community spirit — always willing to stop for a chat, offer advice and help keep our neighbourhoods safe at Basingstoke Cops

She’ll soon be taking up a new role within Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, and while we’ll really miss her here, we wish her every success in the next chapter.

Thank you Emma for everything you’ve done for our communities — you’ll always be welcome back! 💐👏

Cllr Jay Ganesh
Cllr David McIntyre
Councillor Arun MummalaNeni