Protecting Open Spaces & Strategic Gaps
Safeguarding the gaps that keep our villages distinct, protecting green spaces, and creating green corridors linking to the wider countryside.
Focus
The gaps between our villages matter – they keep our communities distinct, protect green spaces, and create green corridors linking to the wider countryside. Without them, villages would merge together and we’d lose what makes each place special. We’re safeguarding these strategic gaps and protecting the open spaces that define our area.
What’s next
- Working with Local Plan processes to protect strategic gaps
- Keeping an eye on development proposals near sensitive areas
- Advocating for enhanced green space policies
How to get involved
- Share local knowledge about important green spaces
- Report development concerns near strategic gaps
- Join local environmental groups
- Sign up for planning and environment updates
Updates
Strategic gaps secured in Local Plan
We are working to define strategic gaps in the Local Plan to protect our villages. Working with Oakley & Deane Parish Council, we are ensuring the Oakley–Basingstoke gap delivers what we need – a meaningful area that separates Oakley from Basingstoke. It is absolutely critical that any development along the west side of Basingstoke honours this position in planning policy.
For North Waltham, we have pushed to dramatically increase the size of the strategic gap, pulling development back from the north of the village to the area along the A30. The gap will be planted with trees to preserve our rural environment. We have worked to reduce the site allocation boundary and add buffer planting around development as it approaches North Waltham, rather than just north of Maidenthorn Lane.
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