A NEW Petersfield development committee is expected to meet for the first time this month.

Five Petersfield town councillors will ‘drive’ the committee, which will hopefully also include residents.

Members will give their opinions and views on the implementation of the Petersfield Neighbourhood Plan, which could stay ‘active’ in its present format for upto 20-years.

Cllr James Deane said he hoped the committee would act as a ‘guide and a catalyst’ for the plan, which covers the area inside the Petersfield parish boundary.

It took three years to put together and was approved by residents in a referendum last November.

The new committee, chaired by Cllr John Palmer, assisted by deputy chairman Cllr Jamie Matthews, aims to ensure that the town evolves in accordance with the ‘vision’ set out in the neighbourhood plan.

They also hope to turn proposals in the plan into fact.

One area the committee says it will take a keen interest in is the development of self-build estates totalling around 110 homes on land to the West of Bell Hill and North of Reservoir Lane.

Cllr Jamie Matthews also hopes the committee will look at other issues, such as the natural habitat and the environment.

Although the council proposes the first meeting of the Town Development Committee will be in January, a date has yet to be announced.

For details about the committee contact Petersfield Town Council clerk Neil Hitch on 01730 264182.