THE NEIGHBOURHOOD development plan for Liss has been given the thumbs up by an independent examiner.

After working with the community over two years Liss Parish Council published its plan in November last year.

It sets out how much development Liss should take up to 2028 and where it should go. It also has proposals for the protection of green space and the environment of Liss and promotes the provision of community facilities and infrastructure.

Independent examiner Robert Bryan has looked at the plan and held a public hearing in June. He has now reported and has said the plan can go ahead with a few small changes, which the parish council and the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) will consider. The examiner recommends the plan moves to its last stage, which is a referendum to be held in Liss, so the community can have its final say on the plan.

If residents support the plan the SDNPA will then adopt the plan as part of the planning framework for Liss.

“This is excellent news,” said neighbourhood development plan steering group chairman Sir John Dunt.

“The independent examiner carried out a very thorough review of our plan and he has concluded that all the hard work by the people of Liss has produced a robust, thorough and well considered plan.

“There will be a few minor changes to the plan but the sites we have carefully selected for new homes on greenfield sites have been given the thumbs up.

“From all our earlier consultation in the village I believe this will be welcomed.

“We should be set for the final hurdle in the late autumn – a referendum in the village. If 50 per cent of those who vote approve the plan it will become legally binding and future decisions on planning applications will have to reflect the plan.”