A PROPOSAL for a draft devolution deal that could see more new homes built in East Hampshire is expected to be with the Government next week.

One item discussed in talks about setting up a Hampshire Combined Authority is more new homes in the county.

In a statement, East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) said: “Fifteen councils and other key organisations have been discussing the terms of a proposal to devolve power and funding to the county.

“EHDC has authorised its chief executive, Sandy Hopkins, and its leader, Councillor Ferris Cowper, to speak on its behalf as the possibility of a combined authority in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is discussed.”

Under legislation, a combined authority is given Government money to take on work normally overseen from Whitehall, such as road improvements, provision of some housing, the future of former MoD land, and aspects of health care.

If a combined authority is agreed, more houses could be built in the county, including in East?Hampshire, but only if there are substantial benefits. It is expected that an increase in new houses would have to be agreed by a public referendum.

Cllr Cowper and Hampshire County Council leader Roy Perry have both vigorously supported the case for Government powers to be handed to local authorities.

After a recent district council meeting at Penns Place to discuss the combined authority proposal, Petersfield district councillor Nicky Noble said: “One concern is that a combined authority could be administered by some form of elected role, another layer of local government, which no one wants.”

The district council has already devoted considerable ‘officer time’ to the proposal.

Its chief executive is heading the project’s public relations and communications stream.

The combined authority process can take up to two years, and discussions will continue into next year before a full bid is tabled.

At present, there are five combined authorities. Four were launched last year, and the first, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, started in April 2011.

A draft application from Hampshire is to be sent to the Government this Friday.