Preface

A blueprint for the Basingstoke and Deane area until 2026 is being drawn up by the borough council.  Called the Local Development Framework, this will guide planning decisions on where to build homes, schools, leisure facilities, shops, offices and other work places.  The aim of the framework will be to protect the environment, create places where people want to live and work and meet local housing and employment needs.

This ‘key themes’ consultation is the next stage in the process of putting together the framework.  In the autumn all the work and consultation that has gone before will be used to produce what is called the Core Strategy of the framework.  This document seeks views on the key themes that will appear in that Core Strategy.

To help in the reading of this document, there is a comprehensive glossary.  A series of background papers has been produced to provide more detailed information on the main issues.  These are available from the borough council’s LDF team (see contact details) or http://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/go/keythemes

Basingstoke and Deane is an attractive area to live and work.  The general quality of life for most residents is seen as being high, as a result of a strong local economy, attractive natural and built environments, and thriving communities.  The ambition for the borough up to and beyond 2026 is to build on past successes by maintaining and improving what we have already.  We want a flourishing local economy; attractive towns, villages and rural areas, which are well managed, protected and enhanced, and the infrastructure and services needed to support our residents and businesses.  This will require a higher standard of sustainable design for new development and a greater emphasis on maximising energy efficiency and the generation and use of renewable and low-carbon energy sources.

The sections in this ‘key themes’ consultation paper set out in more detail how, through the use of land and by working with others, we can provide the framework for realising this ambition.  Underpinning these key themes are some cross-cutting priorities which will shape the development and implementation of the Core Strategy:

• community safety
   
• healthy communities and high quality and accessible healthcare
   
• better energy efficiency and the development and use of renewable and low-carbon energy sources to tackle climate change
   
• high-quality design for homes, buildings and public spaces to meet the needs and aspirations of our community
   
• educational attainment and skills
   
• high standards of environmental responsibility, such as minimising resource use and protecting and enhancing biodiversity
   
• protection of the character of the countryside, and natural and built environments
   
• a diverse and productive local economy, with an emphasis on smart growth
   
• promotion of social inclusion to reduce inequalities and meet the needs of vulnerable people.