THE district council has voted to “enhance” East Hampshire’s towns and villages using what it has learned from Bordon’s regeneration as a blueprint.

The “strategy”, called Enhance East Hants, draws on the “place-making expertise gathered over the last ten years of work transforming Whitehill and Bordon” and sets out how to improve Alton, Bordon, Petersfield and the southern parishes of Horndean, Rowlands Castle and Clanfield.

It was approved by East Hampshire District Council on Thursday (September 19).

Councillor Robert Mocatta, portfolio holder for community development, placemaking and infrastructure, said: “The strategy will provide the framework for making the district the most attractive place it can be.

“We all have a role in maintaining and improving towns and villages in East Hampshire. Enhance East Hants will set out how we can make the most of our built and natural environments and improve residents’ lives.”

The council said the experience gathered while transforming Whitehill and Bordon had been invaluable and the lessons learned bringing “new homes, facilities and infrastructure” to the former garrison town can be applied to other places in the district.

The strategy will “serve as a starting point which will guide the council as it works with partners, parish and town councils and the local communities to make our places better”.

A plan will be drawn up for Petersfield and Alton, and the community of southern parishes following “the existing framework for Whitehill and Bordon”. This framework can subsequently be applied to other communities in the district that will receive “new community infrastructure as a result of new development”.

Examples of the “kinds of projects carried out through Enhance East Hants” include improving walking and cycling routes, redeveloping key town centre sites and developing the area for all those who live in it, work in it or visit it.

Councillor Steve Hunt felt the document needed “more work” but saw his motion to remove it from the agenda voted down.

“About this strategy I would say ‘mind the gaps’,” he said. “It is a great document, but there is a lot missing.”

But Adam Carew said council leader Richard Millard had promised “there will be consultation” on the details.

“Adopting this is just the start and we will than have something to work with and on going forward,” he added.