Eats Hampshire District Council (EHDC) will be presenting the draft version of the new Local Plan at Alton Maltings on Friday 15th March. This will be an opportunity for residents to comment on the Local Plan before the final version is submitted later this year. If you live outside a settlement boundary it is worth noting that the draft plan currently omits policy H16, which determines the maximum increase of floorspace for extending properties outside of the settlement boundary. The emerging policy CP29 will instead place the emphasis on "exemplary design that respects an area's particular characteristics". The change in emphasis from restricting development through an arbitrary uplift in floorspace to promoting good design is a clear improvement that will benefit the build environment in East Hampshire. If you would like to discuss the implications for a potential project please contact us.