THE INK is about to dry on the latest draft of the East Meon neighbourhood development plan (NDP) with housing, landscape and traffic the “hot topics” among villagers.

The volunteer team has been busy since early summer considering scores of responses from residents, statutory bodies and prospective developers, following a six-week consultation process.

And now the aim is to submit the plan to the South Downs National Plan Authority (SDNPA) for a further six- week consultion in early autumn.

Meanwhile, all responses are available to view on the parish website www.eastmeon.org.uk

This will also show any changes made to the draft plan resulting from the latest consultation.

An external examiner will prepare a report on the NDP, and once approval has been given by the SDNPA a residents’ referendum will be held – possibly in early 2017 – before it is given the rubber stamp.

The parish council is the steering group for the plan.

A spokesman said: “Although a NDP has many components, perhaps not surprisingly, housing, landscape and traffic have been the hot topics, with residents asked where their preferred new sites for housing types and density would be.

“Overwhelmingly, residents expressed that they would like to see small pockets of development and support for building small homes for couples, young families and older people.

“Given East Meon’s special location all sites have landscape issues, and some more than others.”

Of the 20 initial sites suggested by residents, owners of six sites advised they were unavailable, and nine were subsequently assessed as unsuitable, which left five potential sites for some 15-17 homes.

A pause in the NDP process had allowed more time for the volunteers to tackle the lengthy and complex issues which had to be approached objectively with respect to planning.

For more information, visit www.eastmeon.org.uk