Objectives

Vision

A Neighbourhood Plan vision embodies how the community would like their village to look in years to come. It is the starting point for a Neighbourhood Plan

Vision for Longstock

In 2035, Longstock has retained its unique identity as a vibrant, working community. It has conserved the rural character of the village as well as preserving its historic heritage, exceptional open views and access to the countryside.

The range of housing types and tenures built since 2019 have significantly reduced the local housing need for affordable homes and has met demand for the types of homes suited to older people and young families, allowing local people to downsize, purchase first homes and has ensured the longevity of Longstocks strong community.

The design of new buildings has been small scale, sustainable, environmentally friendly sensitive and complementary to its surroundings and has met or exceeded low carbon regulations.

The village hall and recreation ground remain focal points for the village and are regularly used by the community and for village gatherings-a symbol of Longstock’s inclusive and caring community. Community aspirations to improve footpaths; add cycleways and re-instate community transport, have all been successfully achieved. Links have been created to facilitate safe walking/cycling routes from Longstock to the local town of Stockbridge and the primary school/shops therewith (BH added this in…). Test Valley School, remains a small rural, high achieving secondary school, which maintains strong links to the local community

People continue to work locally with various opportunities from working on local farms to tourism businesses to small cottage industries as well as working from home due to the high quality and reliable connections to modern technologies.

Sporting and recreational facilities have been preserved and expanded for the use and enjoyment of the local community. Community aspirations to improve footpaths; add cycleways and re-instate community transport, have all been successfully achieved. These positive changes have allowed villagers to remain connected to one another; connected to the surrounding villages and allowed access to the open countryside; all of which positively contribute to our resident’s health and wellbeing.

Environment

Protect the sensitive natural environment and exceptional rural assets surrounding Longstock
Maintain and improve footpath and cycleways
Ensure that where appropriate dark skies are maintained
Create and preserve specific areas as local green space and areas of considerable importance to the community
Ensure any new development respects the local biodiversity and maintains or mitigates for wildlife corridors
Maintain strategic gaps between Longstock and surrounding villages

Housing

Ensure the stock of smaller, affordable homes is increase
Deliver affordable housing on a small site within the village
Ensure development is in keeping with the local area and does not detract from the rural nature of its surroundings
Ensure development is of a high-quality, carbon-neutral design.

Ensure the pattern of any new development will reflect the current pattern of development in the Parish, where practical

Transport

Provide traffic calming measures through the use of developer contribution
Re-direct non-agricultural commercial HGV traffic to avoid the village centre
ensure appropriate links with the village and any new developments
work with local partners to create footpath links with the Test Way

Economy

Support appropriate business development to build a strong economy with local employment that benefits all residents
Support and encourage small start-up businesses

Heritage

To protect and enhance the historic environment, including heritage assets deemed to be of value to the village