'HINDS - SIGHT' - DAMIAN CALLS FOR A REAL DEBATE ON LARGE DEVELOPMENT SITE STRATEGY

‘Hinds sight’  -  Damian calls for a real debate on the large development site strategy advocated by EHDC.

A Community's Concerns Amplified

Members of SMASH met with Damian Hinds recently to discuss the real concerns of Medstead and Four Marks residents grappling with ‘out of control’ housing development and the future threat from large developments sites (LDS) i.e., sites >650 houses literally concreting over green verdant fields. SMASH robustly outlined the facts and the reality that overdevelopment has brought to our area.

Disproportionate Housing Development and Infrastructure:

Damian Hinds recognised that there has been an uneven and disproportionate amount of housing development in Medstead and Four Marks compared with other locations within EHDC. He also understood the importance of the pace of infrastructure to support any new developments. Consequently, he acknowledged that despite the explosive growth of housing numbers in recent years there hasn’t been the commensurate support by the necessary amenities and facilities. The inference being that infrastructure shortfalls cannot be magicked out of thin air; they need to be addressed before considering any future housing development especially in an area that has already overdelivered. Michael Gove concurs with this. In his proposed Levelling Up bill, he states ‘that areas that have overdelivered should be rewarded not penalised.’

Skyrocketing House Prices, Affordability and Local Identity:

One of the most pressing concerns voiced during the meeting was the skyrocketing house prices that have created obstacles for young individuals to purchase homes within their own communities. Damian resonated with the issue and went on to explain that the word ‘affordability’ may be misinterpreted. Its true definition in housing terms is ‘the cost of housing services and shelter – both for renters and owner occupiers – relative to a given individual's or household's disposable income’.  However, in developers’ terms this has come to mean ‘market price – 20% discount’. With house prices in Medstead and Four Marks at £285,000 for an average 2-bedroom house and £450,000 for a 3-bedroom then there is a huge gap between people’s disposable income and what they can afford. Damian believes that by building more houses, simple economics of supply and demand will reduce prices. Unfortunately, the data for our area does not support that theory in practice.

East Hampshire is a great place to live, and prices are at a premium. Damian noted that 30-year-olds bringing up a family find Four Marks and Medstead particularly attractive because of the lifestyle it provides with village life and a village community. He reinforced the need to preserve our villages - not destroy them.

Driving Forces behind Housing Demand:

Damian Hinds deftly outlined three principal factors driving the need for increased housing — increasing life expectancy, immigration, and evolving housing usage patterns, including changes stemming from shifts in relationships and the need for student accommodation. These forces collectively underscore the growing necessity for housing solutions that can cater to the evolving needs of a diverse population.

As SMASH interjected, they also suggest that the type and mix of housing stock needed in the future will be different to meet this shift, with more 1,2- and 3-bedroom houses and apartments being built rather than 4,5-bedroom ones favoured by developers and that are a feature of today.

Balancing Development, Preservation with Rural Identity:

The discussion went on to highlight the delicate balance between fostering development and preserving the rural essence that defines places like Four Marks and Medstead. The challenges of striking this equilibrium were candidly acknowledged, especially in the context of maintaining the unique character of the villages, which features individual properties nestled within ribbon development and lush open spaces. Damian and the PM Rishi Sunak both have pledged that concreting over green spaces is not the answer to housing provision and alternatives like building on brown fields sites, converting retail stock into residential stock should be explored before losing valuable farmland.

Large vs. Small Development Sites:

The contentious debate surrounding large-scale development versus a dispersed type model was not ignored. Damian Hinds' recognition of this debate echoes the sentiments shared by SMASH — advocating for smaller housing clusters spread across the county as opposed to concentrated estates that can alter the raw countryside. Damian Hinds recognises that there is a debate to be had around ‘Dispersion vs. Concentration’ and the scale of development sites, especially in relation to large-scale estates in raw countryside versus tasteful housing in the right place and of the right mix.

Reviewing Large Development Strategy:

A pivotal moment arose in our discussions when Damian Hinds concurred with SMASH that the need to have a REAL debate about the current large development sites strategy was crucial, Damian did stress however, that he was supporting a debate not advocating a particular outcome.

The recognition that the large development site strategy needs reviewing aligns with the concerns voiced by the community.

Quantum of Housing in Protected Areas:

Damian Hinds' endeavour to balance housing quantum between the South Downs National Park (SDNP) and the Local Planning Authority (LPA) was acknowledged as a step in the right direction. However, it was recognized that sustained efforts are required to cement this balance and ensure the viability of both protected areas and existing communities. This remains an objective and goal of Damian Hinds.

Importance of Viability for SDNP: Damian Hinds acknowledged that more housing is required in the SDNP to maintain its viability and sustainability in the future. However, he recognises the value and importance of the countryside and of maintaining villages and existing communities. There is a balance to be struck to ensure housing needs are met, SDNP remains accessible and viable and East Hampshire villages maintain their character and uniqueness.

Appreciation and Future Engagement:

As the meeting concluded, Damian Hinds expressed his gratitude towards SMASH for their active participation, with the anticipation of continued engagement. This stands as a testament to the MP's commitment to addressing housing challenges collaboratively and acknowledging the importance of open communication.

The dialogue between SMASH and Damian Hinds sheds light on the intricate web of concerns that housing development weaves in rural communities. It's a reminder that thoughtful, community-centric solutions can lead the way in finding a delicate equilibrium between progress and preservation.

If you agree that there should be a more comprehensive debate on the large development site strategy especially for Medstead and Four Marks.

Please write to Damian Hinds at damian.hinds.mp@parliament.uk and or your local councillors. Damian is keen to hear your views 

Please share and sign this petition widely, every signature counts.

For more information go to http://www.smashonline.co.uk