A consultation is currently underway to get people’s feedback on how and where development takes place in a National Park.

The South Downs Local Plan is being reviewed to ensure it’s up-to-date and addresses important issues such as nature recovery, climate change, affordable housing and helping local communities thrive.

A series of drop-in events are being held for residents to speak directly to the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) and find out more.

The Petersfield Post went along to one of these sessions at Petersfield Festival Hall on January 31 and spoke to local councillors and the SDNPA to hear their thoughts.

Tim Slaney, director at SDNPA, said: “So far people think we've got the balance between growth and conservation about right but it's a consultation.

“We really want to hear from people and if there is a theme, I would say it's about making sure there's enough infrastructure to accompany any growth.

“We're working with East Hampshire on how we work together to try and provide appropriate housing. The targets are not absolutely set in stone that you must meet them. Particularly, if you've got something like a national park, which is an asset for the country, we should be able to present a case.”

Councillor Rob Mocatta holds positions at Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council (EHDC). He tries to act as liaison to represent the residents, parish councils and district councils in the national park.

“I try really hard to explain the national park to the district council and explain the district council to the national park, particularly on the issue of housing,” Cllr Mocatta said.

“When you look at the new housing numbers so much of East Hants is in the national park, if you don't take that into consideration, then East Hants residents north and south of the park have to take all the housing numbers for hundred per cent of the population.

“It is a very strong argument that there should be an allowance that we have over half of our area in the national park. The national government doesn't currently agree with this, and I think the district council is quite right to argue on the behalf of the residents of Alton and Horndean, and Four Marks.”

There are several new proposed allocations for Hampshire in the review, including Binsted, Buriton, Liphook, Petersfield, Sheet and West Liss.

EHDC Councillor Louise Bevan for Petersfield Heath, who is also a Petersfield Climate Action Network trustee, expressed concern for biodiversity loss and reducing carbon emissions.

She commented: “The Local Plan has developed new policies that will protect our environment and our biodiversity and also reduce carbon emissions which is very good to see.

“The real challenge is that the protections in the park reduce the amount of housing that can be built of the right sort of housing, in the right place.

“It's difficult to find a balance between protecting nature and our wonderful landscape, and ensuring that development is sensitive but also accommodates the needs of the communities.”