Background to the Old Basing and Lychpit Neighbourhood Plan Review
Background to the Draft Old Basing & Lychpit Neighbourhood Plan Review
This page explains what a Neighbourhood Plan is, why the plan is being reviewed, and what the draft updated plan aims to cover.
A Neighbourhood Plan is a community-led document that sets out local planning policies for the area. Once updated and brought into force, it helps guide decisions on planning applications alongside the wider planning policies for the borough.
Why is the plan being reviewed?
The original Old Basing & Lychpit Neighbourhood Plan was made in 2018. Reviews are a normal part of neighbourhood planning and help ensure the plan stays up to date, reflects current evidence, and responds to what matters most to local people.
- to keep local planning policies current and clear;
- to respond to change and growth pressures in and around the parish;
- to strengthen the plan’s approach to protecting valued landscapes, green spaces and nature;
- to guide good design so new development fits the character of Old Basing and Lychpit.
What stage are we at?
This is the draft (pre-submission) version of the plan review. This consultation is your opportunity to comment on the proposed updates before the plan is finalised and submitted for the next stages of the statutory process.
What does the draft plan review propose to include?
The draft updated plan sets out a package of policies that focus on where development is supported, how local character and heritage are protected, how nature and green spaces are looked after, and how walking, cycling and everyday journeys can be improved. It also introduces a new Design Code to help guide the look and feel of development in the parish.
| OB&L 1 | Settlement boundary and countryside | Sets out where development is generally supported and how land outside built-up areas is treated. |
| OB&L 2 | Biodiversity and the River Loddon | Protects habitats, green corridors, the river environment and the floodplain, and supports well-planned proposals. |
| OB&L 3 | Local Gap | Maintains the open area that helps keep settlements distinct and protects the landscape setting. |
| OB&L 4 | Iconic views | Helps protect important views that contribute to local character and sense of place. |
| OB&L 5 | Local green spaces | Safeguards valued green spaces that are important to local people. |
| OB&L 6 | Historic environment | Protects historic buildings and places, and their surroundings, while allowing sensitive change. |
| OB&L 7 | Appearance of development | Promotes high-quality design that fits the character of Old Basing and Lychpit, supported by the new Design Code. |
| OB&L 8 | Housing mix | Encourages a range of home sizes to better reflect local needs, including smaller homes. |
| OB&L 9 | Walking, cycling and movement routes | Protects and improves routes for walking and cycling and supports safer, more convenient everyday journeys. |
| OB&L 10 | Developer contributions | Sets expectations for appropriate contributions towards local infrastructure and improvements linked to development. |
How to have your say
When commenting, it helps if you:
- say which section or policy your comment relates to (for example, “Policy OB&L 7”);
- explain what you support or what you would like to change, and why;
- suggest alternative wording if you can (this is very helpful);
- include local information or evidence where relevant.