Whitehill Bordon Eco-town

24/08/09 New management group formed to ensure swift improvements

A new management group has been formed to help ensure swift improvements are made to Whitehill Bordon.
 
The Whitehill Bordon Opportunity Management Group met for the first time on Monday August 10 and will work alongside the established executive group.
 
The new group has been tasked with making decisions on smaller matters so that schemes in the town can get underway quickly.
 
Whitehill Bordon was awarded Eco-town status last month and will now benefit from a massive amount of investment as well as setting an example to the rest of the world on how to combat climate change.
 
The range of carbon-busting initiatives includes a zero carbon school by 2013.

Cllr Ian Dowdle, the chairman of the group, Cllr Ken Carter, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Country Towns, Cllr Adam Carew, Shadow Portfolio Holder for Environment and Whitehill Bordon's county councillor, Cllr Zoya Faddy, Shadow Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Development Policy and Cllr Philip Drury, Shadow Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Health and Healthy Lifestyles, issued a joint statement following the meeting.

They said: “The first meeting of the Whitehill Bordon Management Group was a great success.
 
“We were able to discuss a number of exciting opportunities which will make the town a better place to live.
 
“We are hoping to announce some of these schemes in the very near future and they will benefit the whole community."
 
The group will have monthly meetings.  Representatives from Whitehill Town Council also form part of the management group and Cllr Tony Muldoon is also part of the group - but he was not able to come to this recent meeting.

16/06/09 Whitehill Bordon is a step closer to getting a train station

Britain’s train operating companies are calling for Whitehill Bordon’s railway line to be reinstated as a top priority, it has been revealed. 

The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) says there is a strong business case for opening 14 lines in England and up to 40 new stations to provide rail services to those which currently lack them.

ATOC’s report, Connecting Communities, lists the benefit cost ratio and capital expenditure cost of reopening.

Whitehill Bordon shows a positive benefit cost ratio – so there is a good business case for it.

ATOC says that lines could be reopened within five years.

Over the next nine months ATOC will carry out further analysis with train operators, Network Rail and local authorities to validate the work.

Cllr Ian Dowdle today said: “This is tremendous news for Whitehill Bordon.

“It shows residents that Whitehill Bordon has now been pushed onto the national radar.

“It shows that the town is being highlighted as an area that needs an improved infrastructure.

“And it also answers concerns that people living in the surrounding villages and areas have about transport - as well alleviating pressure on the rail network and the road system.

“It is a great step forward because it proves that transport is being considered alongside development.

“The report shows that the train operators consider Whitehill Bordon viable as a business case but it is far too early to say where exactly the line would go.

“That will be subject to further study and consultation.

“But this report is very welcome and is most definitely good news for the town.

“A train station and line would compliment the plans for the town and would be coordinated within it.”

ATOC chief executive Michael Roberts said: “Record passenger numbers and rising demand require us to plan for the long term, while climate change and population growth make it vital that in doing so, we adapt the rail netweork to meet tomorrow’s needs.

“Providing attractive new services and easier access to the rail network will encourage passengers to switch to rail from other, less green, modes of transport.

“Many past studies have looked at re-opening old railways but this one looks first at the market, not the map, analysing where people live and where they want to travel.

“Much of the current debate about improving the network is focused on major enhancements, such as main line electrification and potential high speed lines.

“This is a welcome vote of confidence in the railways.

“We have established that there is a strong business case for investment to bring a number of towns back onto the rail network.

“Now we need to safeguard these routes and develop the detailed case for investment.”

Shop transformed into drop-in centre so residents can have their say on town’s development

A shop on Whitehill Bordon’s High Street is being transformed into a drop-in centre so residents can have their say on how they would like the town to be developed. 

 

East Hampshire District Council has extended the consultation period from the end of April to the end of May to give residents more time to comment on how they want the town improved.

 

Officers from the council will be on hand to answer any questions at the shop, which used to be called Hardy’s, for the next few weeks.

 

Residents can also view the exhibition which was displayed at the Forest Community Centre on April 4^th and fill in questionnaires at the shop.

 

The shop, which can be found at Unit 2, the High Street, will be open on Thursday 21^st May from

2pm-4pm

, on Tuesday 26^th from

2pm-4pm

and on Thursday 28^th May from

2pm-6pm

.

 

The council will be using the shop to run a credit union in the coming months but until that opens it is using it as a location to talk to residents.

 

Will Godfrey, the chief executive at East Hampshire District Council, said: “We think that the best way for residents to find out more about our bid for Eco-town status is to have officers on hand in the town to answer questions.

 

“We want as many residents as possible to have their say about the future development of Whitehill Bordon and so we have extended the consultation.

 

“I very much hope that residents will come to the drop-in sessions and help us make the town a better place.”

 

The exhibition boards and questionnaires which will be at the High Street shop can now be viewed at www.whitehillbordon.com

 

Completed questionnaires should be posted to Whitehill Bordon Survey, FREEPOST, Business Reply Service, Licence No. GI/2189, EHDC Council Offices, Penns Place, Petersfield,

Hants

,

GU31 4EX

.  No stamp is needed.

ends

12/05/09 Whitehill Bordon must have new jobs, better facilities and improved infrastructure

A new policy document has revealed that Whitehill Bordon has to have new jobs, better facilities and improved infrastructure when the town is developed. 

The South East Plan, which governs how and where development will take place, states that the town will not just be about building new houses. 

East Hampshire District Council has welcomed the plan as it reinforces its Green Town Vision – that the town needs better facilities while protecting and enhancing the environment. 

The Government's plan proposes that 5,500 homes will be built although the final figure will be determined locally following the outcome of studies to assess the impact of development on the area's biodiversity and environment.

The document states that various studies must be conducted to make absolutely sure that the land will not be adversely affected by building this number of homes. 

A water cycle study and a Habitats Regulation Assessment are some of these studies and East Hampshire District Council is conducting these at the moment. 

The policy also states that there should be a mix of housing types and tenures to provide a balanced and sustainable community. 

The policy goes on to say that there should be new ‘green infrastructure’ to support local biodiversity and promote recreational opportunities. 

There should also be improved town centre facilities and services and improved access to these facilities. 

Will Godfrey, East Hampshire District Council’s chief executive, said: “It is fantastic that the South East Plan states that new jobs and facilities must be created in the town and that the environment must be protected. 

“This is what East Hampshire District Council has been pushing for and I hope that this news reassures residents that the town will become a much better place to live.” 

Consultation deadline extended to give residents more time to have their say

East Hampshire District Council is extending the consultation deadline so that residents have more time to have their say on the future development of Whitehill Bordon. 

Residents originally had until the end of April to fill out a detailed questionnaire but now they have until Sunday 31 ^st May.

The exhibition boards and questionnaires which were on display at the consultation event at the Forest Centre on April 4th can now be viewed at www.whitehillbordon.com

Paper copies of the questionnaire are also available at the Forest Community Centre.

Will Godfrey, the chief executive of East Hampshire District Council, said: “We want as many residents as possible to tell us what they want for Whitehill Bordon – and this is why we are extending the consultation period.

“The comments and ideas will then be analysed by the masterplanners and will form the basis of the overall plan for the town’s development.

“I urge residents to have their say and tell us what they want.

“This really is your chance to make the town a better place.”

Completed questionnaires should be posted to Whitehill Bordon Survey, FREEPOST, Business Reply Service, Licence No. GI/2189, EHDC Council Offices,

Penns Place, Petersfield, Hants, GU31 4EX.  No stamp is needed.

A green route out of recession

Whitehill Bordon's bid for Eco-town status will bring jobs and Government funding to the area which could help kick start the area's economy and free families and businesses from the recession, it was claimed today.

East Hampshire District Council wants to breathe life into the town when the army leaves and councillors believe that the ambitious project could be the driver for economic recovery.

The council held a consultation event earlier this month and the feedback to those organising it has been mostly positive - with residents saying they are generally supportive of Eco-town status.

Residents are keen for Whitehill Bordon to be awarded the status because they want better facilities and opportunities to be created in a way that protects the environment and biodiversity.

There were some worries about how the project would be paid for but a recent financial viability assessment undertaken by Price Waterhouse Cooper has revealed that the scheme is economically sound.

And recent international news reports have said that world leaders are now recognising that the way out of the current economic crisis is linked to a green future.

The council is also in discussion with an international company which is considering locating its UK headquarters in Whitehill Bordon if the town is given Eco-town status.

Following the consultation event there has been some misinformation flying around but residents can read the facts at www.whitehillbordon.com or http://www.easthampshire.org/ourgroup/whitehillbordon

The council is proposing a range of densities of housing across Whitehill Bordon. The town centre will have higher densities - which will be similar to that found in Petersfield.

The density will decrease as you move out of the town centre to larger family homes.

The recent announcement about the South Downs National Park will make the town even more attractive to potential employers - especially those involved in the ‘green industry'.

Cllr Ferris Cowper, the Leader of the council, said: "I believe that if the town secures Eco-town status then this could become the driver for the area's economic recovery.

"The status will attract a massive amount of Government funding to the town.

"A few residents have raised concerns that the proposals the masterplanners have drawn up are vague.

"The maps show broad concepts at the moment because we want the community to tell us what it thinks about them. Nothing is set in stone.

"More detailed proposals will be drawn up in July.

"At the moment it's not about choosing between one option and another it is about how all the ideas fit together and then telling us which ideas you like and which you don't like.

"The feedback will then be analysed and the results of the consultation will be published.

"We want to make the town one which the residents are proud of so we need to know what you think."

Kevin Murray, who ran the presentations and workshops at the consultation, said: "I was most impressed by the high quality of debate and questions from all the participants when discussing the opportunities and ideas.

"Towns with people that care so much generally have a better future than those where people are indifferent."

Record number of residents have their say on Whitehill Bordon's future

Hundreds of residents had their say on the future of Whitehill Bordon at one of the most important events in the town's history.

Around 500 people took part in East Hampshire District Council's latest consultation event.

A record number of residents took the opportunity to speak to councillors, masterplanners, study an exhibition of imaginative ideas for the future of the town and record their own views on a detailed questionnaire.

http://www.easthampshire.org/ourgroup/whitehillbordon

There were also presentations and workshops running throughout the day and those who filled out a questionnaire are now in with a chance of winning a £100 Tesco voucher.

The packed-out event was held at the Forest Community Centre and there was also an exhibition in the Forest Shopping Centre which was busy all day.

Balloon modeller Lord Geoffery wowed children with his creations throughout the day.

The consultation centres on EHDC's Green Town Vision which aims to give the town the infrastructure and facilities it craves while protecting and enhancing the environment.

The bid to make Whitehill Bordon an Eco-town will enable the Green Town Vision to become a reality and give the whole area prestige and vital funding.

Cllr Ferris Cowper, who was at the event, said: "I am absolutely delighted that so many residents came along to have their say and to learn more about our bold ideas.

"The town is buzzing with enthusiasm and residents seem to be really excited about our plans to make Whitehill Bordon something really special.

"Achieving Eco-town status is our chance to give residents the town they deserve.

"Whitehill Bordon could soon be a really innovative and exciting town to live in with great facilities and good job prospects.

"It will also be a sustainable, thriving community which will be an asset to the area."

Councillor Ian Dowdle, the Portfolio Holder for Whitehill Bordon, was also at the event.

He said: "It was fantastic to see so many Whitehill Bordon residents getting involved in shaping the future of the town.

"People seemed very positive about things generally but there were some concerns.

"I spoke to a 15-year-old lad who was worried about getting a job.

"But after he looked at the exhibition he went away feeling very happy because he felt confident that if the town gets Eco-town status then he could get a job when he needs one and that he'd also be able to get on the housing ladder without having to move away from his family and friends.

"There were some worries about housing and I would like to reassure residents that to get the facilities and infrastructure which people want we may need to build up to 5,500 homes but the environment and biodiversity will always come first in accordance with our Green Town Vision.

"But we are planning an overall planning scheme for the town so that we avoid the piecemeal development that has sadly arisen in the past.

"I am pleased that so many residents came to our consultation and that our plans for the Green Town Vision were further enhanced last week when the South Downs National Park boundaries were announced.

"It means that the town will be a gateway for the park and that it will also benefit from the increased leisure and tourism opportunities."

Questionnaires need to be returned to EHDC by 30 th April for residents to enter the £100 prize draw.

The exhibition and questionnaires can be found here

The New Whitehill Bordon Consultation Starts in April

Whitehill and Bordon residents can say how they would like their town to develop at an all day consultation event at the Forest Community Centre on Saturday 4 April.

Family Drop-in Day
Residents can drop in at any time throughout the day to meet masterplanners, see exhibition materials and record their views about the options.  They will also have a chance to win £100.

Councillor Ian Dowdle, EHDC's Portfolio Holder for Whitehill Bordon, wants as many residents as possible to attend the event.

"The Green Town Vision is the biggest opportunity in 100 years and I urge all local residents to come to this consultation event."

"The masterplanners have listened to residents' ideas, views and concerns and have come up with options for how the town can be developed.  Now we need to know which of these options residents prefer."

The masterplan aims to bring the Green Town Vision into reality.  This is the aim whether or not Whitehill Bordon is awarded Eco-town status.  However Eco-town status would raise Whitehill Bordon's profile and bring substantial government support and financial backing that would help deliver the town that local people want.

The consultation event will include an exhibition of the masterplanning team's ideas for transforming the town, presentations and workshops. Residents can drop in for an hour or stay as long as they wish.  The event has been designed to be family friendly so that parents are able to look closely at the plans while children's entertainers and masterplanning games keep the children occupied.

Parish Events
The masterplanning team will also venture further afield to meet residents from the surrounding villages.

There will be meetings at the Kingsley Centre, Kingsley, on Wednesday April 1 at 7.30pm until 9.00pm and at Old Thorns Golf Hotel and Country Estate on Thursday 2 April, also from 7.30pm to 9.00pm.

Stakeholder Workshops
Stakeholders from across the region will be invited to a workshop on Thursday 2 April from 10am until 1pm at the Forest Centre and from 6.30pm to 9.00pm at Hollywater School.  This event is entry by invitation only.

At all events there will be a questionnaire to fill in and those that complete it on the consultation day will be in with a chance of winning £100 in a prize draw.

Councillor Dowdle concluded: "I urge residents to come to this consultation event.  Even for only an hour or so. It really is an exciting time for Whitehill Bordon and I would like as many people as possible to help shape its future."

Independent report says Whitehill Bordon's Eco-town plan is financially sound

11/03/09

 

An independent assessment into the economic feasibility of Whitehill Bordon’s bid for Eco-town says that the scheme is potentially viable.

The report was commissioned by the Department for Communities and Local Government and was published this week.

East Hampshire District Council had to submit a ‘cost model’ which outlined how much money schemes would cost and where revenue would come from.

This model was scrutinised by technical and financial experts and they agreed that the funding proposals to develop the town were feasible.  However the scheme could be vulnerable to major changes in costs or values.

The report states: “The financial assessment indicates that the development proposal has the potential to generate sufficient value to cover the potential direct and indirect costs of delivering the scheme without recourse to public subsidy.”

Cllr Ian Dowdle, Portfolio Holder for Whitehill Bordon, said: “This independent assessment shows that our plans to make Whitehill Bordon a better place to live are financially viable.

“Our own assessments have shown this to be the case, we need to do further detailed work,   but I welcome scrutiny from an independent body.

“The assessment results well and truly show that the town is on track to secure Eco-town status.

“East Hampshire District Council is working hard to deliver the Green Town Vision and this assessment is great news for the town and its residents.”

ends

The full report can be found at http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/financialviabilitystudy

19/01/09 Wayne Hemingway tours Whitehill Bordon on his bike

Designer Wayne Hemingway MBE, who is backing Whitehill Bordon’s bid for Eco-town status cycled round the town this weekend and said it had “even greater potential than he had imagined”.

 

Cllr Ian Dowdle, the portfolio holder for the town, showed Wayne and his wife Gerardine around the sites on his mountain bike on Saturday.

 

The group spent an hour cycling round the area to see the Ministry of Defence land and possible areas for development.

Wayne, the co-founder of the fashion label Red or Dead, was on the Government's ‘challenge panel' which looked at each of the Eco-town bids.

He is also the chairman of Building for Life - an organisation which promotes excellence in the quality of design of new housing.

The 47-year-old also runs Hemingway Design with his wife. The award-winning company specialises in affordable, well-designed housing.

Wayne and Gerardine were both awarded an MBE in 2006.

He met with East Hampshire District Council's chief executive Will Godfrey and revealed that he would like to support Whitehill Bordon's bid to become an Eco-town at the end of last year.

Wayne, who lives near Chichester, in West Sussex, said: “This is a really exciting project and the town’s got even greater potential than I had imagined.

“I’d seen parts of the town before when I’d driven through but this was my first chance to have a really good look at the main sites and the MoD land.

 

“And it was great to do the tour on bike.

 

“Whitehill Bordon is a really great place to live and it will be made even better if it gets Eco-town status.

 

“It’s such a brilliant site because it’s brownfield land but is surrounded by beautiful greenery.

 

“It was great to see the existing facilities like ‘Little Wembley’ and there would be lots of opportunity to upgrade these kinds of things as well as introducing more up-to-date ones into the town.

 

“I was pleased to see that there is a great opportunity for sustainable living as some housing could be upgraded and this would also be quite cost effective.

 

“Some of the existing housing could be made to be very attractive and comfortable to live in without having to knock it all down.

 

“All in all there is a real opportunity to make the town a better place to live and work and it will be great to be part of that.”

 

The group met in the High Street and went through the Woolmer Industrial Estate, to Viking Parkm and then down Hogmoor Road.

They then went through the officers’ quarters and through the woods by Louisburg Barracks and past the Officers’ Mess.

 

They then cycled up to the recycling centre, past the skate park and ‘Little Wembley’ and through the married quarters.

 

Cllr Dowdle then showed the Hemingways Prince Phillip Barracks and came back along the main road.

 

Cllr Dowdle said: “We cycled about five or six miles in an hour and we saw a good chunk of the town.

“Wayne was extremely enthusiastic about the town and about its future improvement.

“And he was incredibly excited about the quality of development we could have in the town.

 

“He was so positive about our bid for Eco-town status and thinks that the town is in such a good location with so much green space.

 

“It was great to show him around, especially on bikes, and I am delighted that he is backing our bid for Eco-town status.”