Vision, Objectives and Policies

 Here is our Vision for our Parish, based on what you have told us in our first survey in early 2022.  The NDP will set Objectives intended to make the Vision a reality, and then set out specific Policies aimed at delivering these objectives.

Each Policy will be supported by evidence based on wide-ranging assessments of aspects such as the history of the settlement, identification of local landscape features, local housing need, the role of local businesses etc.  as well as on the wishes of the community as expressed through public consultations.   Preparation of the detailed policies and the evidence base will be overseen by Bluestone Planning.

Neighbourhood Development Plan –  

Vision for 2040

The Parish of Michelmersh and Timsbury will be a thriving, friendly and safe place to live and work, providing an excellent quality of life for residents of all ages.   The village, the focus of community activities, will be a visually attractive and independent settlement set in tranquil and accessible countryside.  Future development will protect, sustain and enhance the distinctive character and identity of the Parish without compromising the local or wider environment.

Objectives and Policies

We have drafted a number of Objectives that we believe match the Vision. The corresponding Policies are being developed.

Objectives – Housing and the Built Environment

  • New development will be located on land where it will not detract from residents’ quality of life through loss of valued open spaces, increased traffic, noise, light
    pollution or other adverse impacts.
  • New development will be of appropriate scale, type, materials, and detail that respond positively to local context and needs.
  • Provide greater choice in new housing in terms of size and cost, to meet the needs of people of all ages, incomes and family numbers
  • Aim for the highest achievable standards of environmental performance, by adopting appropriate building materials and methods and designing for high energy efficiency.

Objectives – Transport and Access

  • Promote the development of local facilities, public transport and other means of reducing reliance on private car use including provision for walking and cycling.

Objectives – Environment and Landscape

  • Conserve and enhance the natural environment, making space for nature and wildlife through the restoration of valued habitats, the inclusion of high-quality green infrastructure and the protection of key landscape features.
  • Maintain and enhance the historic and rural character of the village, its immediate setting and the wider countryside in the parish, and retain its separation from Romsey and other settlements.
  • Protect and enhance the heritage assets in the Parish, including listed and important non-listed building and the Conservation Area and its surroundings.
  • Promote carbon reduction and resilience to climate change effects; encourage development that has as low a carbon footprint (in terms of both construction and use) as is economically viable, taking account of all relevant technical information available at the time.

Objectives – Business and Employment

  • Encourage and support local businesses to provide local employment, whilst ensuring that the type and location of business activities does not adversely impact on the
    amenity of residents or the local environment and landscape.

Objectives – Community and Social

  • Protect and enhance formal and informal recreational spaces and access to the countryside to provide wide opportunities for leisure activities to support the health
    and wellbeing of the community.
  • Promote the development of additional local facilities to meet
    the needs of residents.