THIS IS A COVER WRAP
Your copy of Borough News is inside
Spring has arrived!
Spring has arrived, bringing with it bluebell season and some new arrivals to Itchen Valley!
Hensting Alpacas has moved to Itchen Valley Country Park and is now offering alpaca walking experiences enabling you to enjoy a peaceful, family-friendly escape into nature. They provide hands-on alpaca trekking adventures allowing you to get up close with their friendly alpacas as part of a leisurely guided walk through the park’s beautiful trails, woodlands and open fields. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to observe other wildlife within the park.
Research shows that spending time in nature reduces stress and boosts
wellbeing. Walking with alpacas enhances this experience, providing a unique way to connect with both animals and the great outdoors.
The park’s native bluebells are usually at their best in the second half of April, so why not visit the park and enjoy a spring walk in the beautiful bluebell wood. After your walk why not relax and indulge yourself with a hot drink and tasty treat at the Woodland Café.
From 4 April until 1 June, Itchen Valley will also be home to a whole host of willow creatures, in partnership with
AJP Creative! Step into a magical willow woodland, adventure together uncovering clues and completing tasks as part of their new family trail. But beware of the mischievous boggarts, who are watching your every move! See page 9 for more details.
To find out more about events at Itchen Valley Country Park, visit itchenvalley.co.uk/whats-on
ABBA by Moonlight at Itchen Valley
Get ready for an unforgettable night under the stars with ABBA by Moonlight! Experience the magic of ABBA’s iconic hits like Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, and Waterloo in a stunning outdoor setting. With dazzling vocals and talented live musicians, this electrifying performance will have you dancing the night away at Itchen Valley Country Park. Bring your friends, pack a picnic, and get your dancing shoes ready for an incredible evening of music and fun!
See page 9 for more information.
Image credit: A.J.P Creative Limited
As a Council, we are focused on improving the quality of life of everyone living and working in the Borough, both now and in the future.
Bubb Lane to Hedge End railway station foot and cycle path
Maintaining and creating an attractive and sustainable environment that is valued, and which can allow residents, visitors and nature to flourish.
We want all residents and visitors to the Borough to live long, healthy and happy lives and so we are focused on improving health and wellbeing and reducing socio-economic and health inequality.
Work is now underway to upgrade the footpath connecting Bubb Lane to Hedge End railway station into a 3-metre-wide shared-use foot and cycle path. The improvements include new lighting columns to enhance safety and convenience.
As part of the project, minor tree felling and pruning are taking place along the route, with minimal excavation required.
For added safety, a 1.4-metre fence is being installed near the pond, along with enhanced railings over the culvert for channeling water.
Eastleigh Borough Council has awarded the contract to Mildren, a Dorset-based contractor with over 30 years of experience. The work is carefully planned to minimise disruption and is expected to take around 8 -10 weeks to complete.
Creating and enhancing places where residents and businesses can thrive.
It is about ensuring that our neighbourhoods, buildings and spaces work well for everyone and that our places are attractive, vibrant, distinctive and safe.
Hiring The
To help support a buoyant housing market we are delivering high-quality homes of all tenures to provide opportunities for people looking for affordable rent, or a new home to meet the diverse needs of residents. We are also co-creating communities, alongside housing development, by delivering infrastructure, employment, leisure and open spaces.
The Hide is a bright and airy space set in the beautiful Itchen Valley Country Park, with panoramic views connecting you with nature. The versatile main room holds 40 people and can be used for birthday parties, conferences, classes, and workshops.
The Hide has access to WiFi and is equipped with six movable tables and 40 chairs for your use, and a small kitchenette is available to hire alongside the main space or catering can be arranged by contacting the country park.
Hedge End Station path map
One Horton Heath link road to open
The new 1.2-mile One Horton Heath link road now connects Burnetts Lane (south) to Allington Lane (north). It also features shared footways, cycle routes, and future bus connections, along with additional trees as part of the ecologyinspired ‘Infrastructure First’ approach.
The new link road includes:
• Three bridges over water courses: Tollbrook, Foxwood, and Quobleigh, complete with mammal tunnels and bee bricks
• Over 10km of cycleways and footpaths
• 700 trees planted along the link road and within the surrounding area
During construction, 16,500 cubic meters of earth was excavated and re-used on site - significantly reducing lorry trips on local roads and minimising the environmental footprint.
The road also incorporates sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) using ponds and natural methods to manage rainfall, control surface water, and reduce flooding risks - benefiting both the environment and the local community.
Wates starting construction on The Lower Acre site
Wates Group has been chosen to deliver the first phase of 381 homes on The Lower Acre site, part of the first phase of One Horton Heath. With over 125 years of experience, Wates is one of the UK’s leading family-owned development, building, and property maintenance companies.
Their dedication to sustainability, trust, and progress makes them an ideal choice, and with their purpose, ‘reimagining places for people to thrive’, this aligns perfectly with our ‘Infrastructure First’ approach. We are committed to creating a dynamic community where people can live, work, and play.
The Lower Acre will provide public open space, hard and soft landscape works, internal roads, footway/cycleways, associated parking spaces, a substation, sustainable drainage systems SuDS, and affordable housing.
Wates are already working on plans for recruitment, training opportunities, and social value pieces designed to involve the local community and those who need a helping hand.
Council Leader, Cllr Keith House, said: “We are delighted to partner with such a well-respected company for this important project. Wates brings a strong track record in sustainable development, and their commitment to quality and community aligns perfectly with our vision for One Horton Heath. It’s exciting to see work progressing, and we look forward to welcoming families into their new homes soon.”
For more info onehortonheath.co.uk/ news-index
Flytipping at textile banks
Textiles can be recycled at local recycling banks across the Borough. Many recycling banks are at supermarkets or other places you visit regularly, so it’s easy to recycle.
However, if you notice a textile recycling bank is full and needs emptying please do not leave items on the ground surrounding the banks as this will be classed as fly-tipping.
If the banks are full, please take your items to another site. You can also call the telephone number on the bank to request it to be emptied.
Visit: recyclenow.com/recycling-locator to find your nearest local recycling banks
Garden Waste recycling is blooming
In 2023-24 our garden waste customers recycled a whopping 7,340 tonnes of garden waste. This was a massive 13% increase on the previous year that saw 6,489 tonnes recycled in 2022-23. All the green garden waste collected is taken to one of two composting sites in the county. It is composted for 20 weeks and turned so it breaks down evenly. The finished product is called Pro-Grow, a high quality soil conditioner that is available to buy at every recycling centre. So our garden waste scheme is a great way to return your garden waste to the soil.
waste time and fuel booking a trip to the tip
Join over 24,000 other Borough residents and sign up in the New Year. Starts on 1 April.
Whether you have a small amount of garden waste, or lots of grass cuttings, shrub prunings and weeds, the collection will save you time and make it easier for you to help the environment.
Sign up to our 2025-26 garden waste service in the New Year and get free collections until the scheme starts on 1 April.
• saves you time and is more convenient • no more mess or creepy crawlies in your vehicle • collected fortnightly from your kerbside • no more booking or queueing at your local tip • wheeled bin is easy to manoeuvre around your garden
Use your brown bin for all your food waste
Your brown food waste bin is collected every week alongside your green or black bin. We provide small kitchen caddies for you to gather food waste each day. You can then transfer this food waste to your larger brown bin ready for collection. Please wrap your food in newspaper or use a compostable liner as all food waste must be wrapped.
Why recycle your food waste?
Your food waste is recycled into energy to power our homes. Recycling just one tea bag per day for a month creates enough energy to make another five cups!
For more info visit: eastleigh.gov.uk/foodwaste
What can I put in my food caddy?
• Fruit and vegetables
• Tea bags and coffee grounds
• Bread and pastries
• Dairy
• Meat and bones
• Egg shells
Food waste recycling week 2025
The Council is supporting the UK’s biggest annual food waste reduction campaign that will run from 17-23 March 2025. We want to encourage residents to think about:
• buying loose fruit and vegetables to reduce food waste
• to recycle any food waste
WRAP research has shown that fresh fruit and vegetables make up the largest proportion of UK household food waste, mainly because it hasn’t been used in time.
In the Borough, you can recycle your food waste each week. Thousands of Borough residents recycle their food each week and in 2024 the Council collected over 2,215 tonnes of food waste from households across the Borough. The food waste is then put through an anaerobic digestion process to produce energy.
The 2,215 tonnes of food waste generates 664,500 Kwh of electricity that equates to 7.3 million kettles each boiling one litre of water.
Help raise funds for charity while de-cluttering your home
• Clear out unwanted clothes, shoes, and household items
• Keep items out of landfill and give them a second life
• Book your free doorstep collection today and make it count this spring!
By booking free doorstep collections, you’ve not only de-cluttered your homes, but you’re also helping to raise vital funds for charities.
In just over five months, residents have booked more than 800 collections, resulting in over 21 tonnes of donated items like clothing, small electricals, books, and household goods.
These collections have made a big difference by supporting local charities, reducing waste that would otherwise end up in landfill and created more space in your homes.
So this spring, why not take a few moments to go through your belongings, gather the items you no longer need, and book a free doorstep collection.
Scan the QR code for more information
Extensive tree planting continues
The Council is continuing with its extensive programme of tree planting across the Borough as part of its commitment to tackling climate change.
This winter’s planting season has included the creation of community orchards at Olympic Way, Bishopstoke, Kestrel Park at Bursledon and at Shakespeare Junior School in Boyatt Wood.
Pocket woodlands have been planted at Hiltingbury Road north of the lakes, Berrywood Meadows, Hedge End and Kestrel Park, Bursledon. Other planting has taken place at the extension to Netley Cemetery, Bursledon Skate Park and Carthage Close, Chandler’s Ford. Trees have also been planted in woodland at Hatch Farm, West End and at Allbrook River Garden.
All the trees and hedging planted are a mix of native species such as elm, oak, hornbeam, hawthorn, hazel, holly, birch, rowan, bird cherry, crab apples, apple and pear trees.
The benefits of tree planting are many as it not only improves the biodiversity of the Borough but also helps to create a sense of place and pride in the community, improves health, wellbeing, and tackles flooding and groundwater issues.
The funding for the tree planting is provided by UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and sponsorship from Hampshire Forest Partnership. The work is managed by the Council tree team with support from Plant Eastleigh volunteers.
New woodland in Eastleigh opens to the public
Local people can now enjoy a walk in Home Wood at Chestnut Avenue in Eastleigh thanks to a partnership between the Council and Forestry England.
A specially created trail allows visitors to enjoy a journey through the woodland. The “Chestnut Trail”, named after the type of trees planted there, is a one-mile path for walking and running and can be accessed from Stoneham Park or Chestnut Avenue in Eastleigh. Its level surface also makes it accessible for all, such as pushchairs and mobility vehicles. A boardwalk section across a wetter area of the woods ensures the trail will be accessible all year round.
Local Cllr, Paul Bicknell, said: “We are delighted to have worked in partnership with Forestry England to open up Home Wood for local people to enjoy. The mile-long
trail will be accessible for everyone all year round and allows local people to enjoy a walk in this woodland, which was part of the ancient Forest of Bere. The trail provides an ideal route to encourage people to be active, improve their well-being and spend time in nature.”
Image: Kat Short, Community Development Officer at Eastleigh Borough Council (left) with staff from Forestry England and local residents enjoying the new Chestnut Trail.
Photo Caption: Plant Eastleigh volunteers planting trees at Olympic Way, Bishopstoke
Start the year right with Cycle Together Eastleigh
Looking for a way to feel healthier, get fitter, and do your bit for the environment? Cycling could be just what you need.
Cycle Together Eastleigh is here to help you build confidence on your bike, improve your fitness, and develop your cycling skills. Whether you’re new to cycling or just want a refresher, Ray - a qualified cycling and mountain bike coach - can guide you every step of the way.
Join a free session and enjoy the benefits of cycling, from avoiding traffic to feeling great.
Scan the QR code to find out more and book your spot or email CycleTogether@eastleigh.gov.uk
to
Concessionary Scheme at Places Leisure Eastleigh eastleigh.gov.uk/passporttoleisure
for people who are unemployed, on a low income, over 60, full-time students, Armed Forces, or have physical, learning or sensory impairments.
Free Parks Tennisvolunteers needed
Play your part in helping people in your community play tennis for free at your local park.
We are currently looking for volunteers to help at the Free Park Tennis sessions that will take place on Saturday mornings at The Hub, Bishopstoke and Bursledon Recreation Ground tennis courts.
You don’t need to be a coach or even have that much experience playing tennis, anyone can become a Barclays Free Park Tennis Activator – you will get everything you need to succeed.
Find out more lta.org.uk/roles-and-venues/volunteers/freepark-tennis
8 APRIL – THURSDAY 10 APRIL
15 APRIL – THURSDAY 17APRIL
The Eastleigh Active programme of sports and activity sessions continues this Easter for a third year to provide children and young people across the Borough with different activity experiences this April.
Eastleigh Borough Council’s programme will run Tuesday to Thursday on both weeks of the Easter holidays (Tuesday 8 - Thursday 17 April) for 5-16 year olds. It sees the return of popular activities such as Golf, Tennis and CrossFit.
Find out more eastleigh.gov.uk/eastleighactive
WHAT’S ON
THEATRE & MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS
Gorilla Circus: RPM
1 March, 7.30pm The Point
Apollo Theatre Company: ODE TO JOYCE
6 March, 7.30pm The Berry Theatre
PAUL MCKENNA: POWER MANIFESTING
13 March, 7.30pm
The Berry Theatre
TBC Productions & house: IN OTHER WORDS
14 March, 7.30pm
The Point
Wildpark Entertainment: MURDER, SHE DIDN’T WRITE
22 March, 7.30pm
The Berry Theatre
MUGENKYO TAIKO DRUMMERS: IN TIME
4 April, 7.30pm
The Berry Theatre
COMEDY HIGHLIGHTS
BRING YOUR OWN BABY COMEDY
19 March, 11.30am The Point
DEE ALLUM: WORK IN PROGRESS
21 March, 8pm The Point
JOHN CRACE: TAKING THE LEAD 28 March, 7.30pm The Berry Theatre
ED PATRICK: CATCH YOUR BREATH
4 April, 7.30pm The Point
ZOE LYONS: WEREWOLF
12 April, 7.30pm The Berry Theatre
DANCE HIGHLIGHTS
MAPDANCE PRESENTED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICHESTER
21 March, 7.30pm The Point
FAMILY HIGHLIGHTS
Watford Palace Theatre & house: WHIPPED UP!
18 March, 10.30am, 12pm & 2pm The Point
ABSOLUTE BRITNEY
21 March, 7.30pm The Berry Theatre
PRINCESS LIVE!
7 April, 1pm & 4pm
The Berry Theatre
EXCITING SCIENCE
9 April, 2pm
The Berry Theatre
The Point Youth Theatre: TINK! A NEVERLAND FAIRYTALE
10 April, 2pm & 6pm
The Point
Flibbertigibbet Theatre & house: THE FARMER AND THE CLOWN
1 April, 11.30am
The Point
Anna Harriott and Iona Johnson: STORIES IN THE DUST
26 April, 11am & 2pm
The Point
THEATRE, MUSIC, DANCE, ARTS, CRAFTS, MAGIC
April 2025
Catering for the very youngest to the almost grown up, Take Flight Festival will take you on a playful journey where all the family can join in the fun! Enjoy inspiring theatre, dance, magic, music performances, and creative have-a-go activities.
Early bird tickets
ABBA by Moonlight
You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life - at Itchen Valley!
ABBA by Moonlight’s faithful recreation of ABBA’s signature harmonies and iconic looks makes for one electrifying live performance. Expect to hear all the greatest hits, including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Waterloo and many more!
Decked out in full disco costume, ABBA by Moonlight combines stunning vocals, talented live musicians, and a uniquely beautiful outdoor setting to make one unforgettable concert.
Come along with family and friends, picnic in picturesque surroundings before grabbing your dancing shoes and get ready to party the night away at Itchen Valley Country Park.
on sale until 1 May Friday 8 August 2025 • 7.30pm (doors open 6.30pm)
Adults £25 / Children £15
Family ticket (x2 adults and x2 children) £70 Book online at: itchenvalley.co.uk/whats-on
Spring events at the Country Parks
Walk & Talk
Free guided walks to spend time in nature in a safe and friendly environment. Book online.
Lakeside Country Park
Tuesdays 1 & 22 April • 1pm - 2pm
Itchen Valley Country Park
Thursdays 3 & 24 April
10am - 11am
Bursledon
Wednesday 2 April • 10.30am
Hound Wednesday 9 April • 10.30am
Hamble
Wednesday 30 April • 10.30am
Linoprint Workshop
led by Jo Morley
Friday 28 March • 10am - 1pm
Jo will demonstrate and guide everyone through the complete process, learning the principles, cutting and printing in different ways in colour. Everyone will take away a series of unique and beautiful prints.
Enchanting Willow Creatures trail
Friday 4 April - Sunday 1 June
Explore Itchen Valley Country Park and see what fun you can discover this Easter!
Easter Craft Wreath Workshop
Tuesday 8 April
10.30am, 11.30am and 1.30pm
Decorate a cardboard wreath with Easter themed materials.
Easter Bunny Workshop
Thursday 17 April
10.30am, 11.30am and 1.30pm
Create your own Easter Bunny using a wooden disc and craft materials.
Willow Workshops
Sunday 11 May
Step into a world of natureinspired creativity with willow artist Jacquie from Willow and Crafts as she guides you through two different workshops.
10am - 12.30pm: Dragonfly 1.30pm - 4pm: Cone bird feeder
Art in the Park
Saturday 31 May - Sunday 1 June
Join us for a weekend of creativity at Itchen Valley Country Park!
Drop-in art activities throughout the day for all ages - come and explore your artistic side!
Watercolour Workshop with Iris Hill
Sunday 1 June
10am, 11.30am, 1pm
Learn the basics of watercolour painting, inspired by seasonal flowers. Iris Hill, Plantlife Artist of 2023, will guide you through this fun and relaxing workshop.
Itchen Valley Greenfest
Sunday 15 June
Come and join us for a family day out to celebrate Green Week with displays, makers market, music and more.
Together We Make Eastleigh
Shaping the future of Eastleigh
We’re thrilled to share the latest updates on Together We Make Eastleigh, an exciting project aiming to shape the future of Eastleigh town centre. The public survey carried out in October 2024 gathered feedback from over 2,400 residents and visitors. We appreciate your input!
Hemingway Design have now analysed the responses and identified themes and key priorities for the town. These insights, combined with input from community workshops, will inform a place making trial planned for later this year.
We are working closely with Eastleigh BID to support local businesses in the town centre.
Hemingway Design will be supporting businesses to interpret and use the data gathered
to help them grow and develop their business offer within the town. This initiative aims to strengthen local businesses and equip them with the tools they need to thrive.
With the continued guidance of Hemingway Design and funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), we’re laying the groundwork for the next phase of transformation.
For the full survey results and the latest project updates, visit: eastleigh.gov.uk/council/sharedprosperity-fund
New walking routes at Stoke Park farm
Stoke Park’s new SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace) comprises of an area of farmland of approximately 20 hectares in size which is part of the former Stoke Park Farm, Bishopstoke. The proposed field was formerly used for cattle grazing on rotation and now predominantly consists of grassland with a wooded tree belt.
The scheme includes the creation of a series of paths which incorporate a main circular walking route, hedgerows, trees, complementary features including seating and picnic areas at key locations, along with signage and dog bins. A range of ecological enhancements are also proposed including log piles, hibernaculum, bird and bat boxes.
The scheme was considered at the Joint Area Committee in July 2024 and formally received planning permission in January 2025. Works are due to start on site in the spring.
email: communications@eastleigh.gov.uk
Fleming Park play area improvements
Improvement works are under way at the Fleming Park paddling pool and play area in Eastleigh.
The area will benefit from £169,000 of improvements from the Eastleigh Local Area Committee, paid for by contributions from developers.
The project will improve the setting for the paddling pool, create new natural play areas, and soften the existing urban character of the play area. The works include creating new earth mounds, landscaping works and planting, a new starter skate track, an improved basketball court, public artist designed shading and a new embankment slide.
We aim to complete the works by May 2025 in time for the paddling pool summer opening.
www.vitaplay.co.uk
Be that one campaign launched
With high demand on local food banks, the Eastleigh Basics Bank (EBB) are launching a new campaign to encourage every household to donate just one item with every shop. The EBB saw over 3,000 households turn to them for support in 2024 and need has been outstripping supply. EBB Chairman, Dan Brain, explains: “If everyone in our community regularly gave just one item we would have a surplus to share with other charities, such as food pantries who are an important part of the mix, helping to reduce the demand on our own emergency service.”
The ‘Be that one’ campaign is encouraging households to make a resolution to be that one person, who
gives ONE item. As part of one community, where no onegoes hungry. There is a list of items they need on their website and they are asking us all to give a different item on the list each time.
Using the EBB’s existing volunteer network the campaign hopes to reduce the competition for supermarket space and public support between local initiatives, by working together as one community to support those struggling locally.
Further details can be found at eastleighbasicsbank.co.uk
Gain new skills and confidence with Job Centre Plus
Supporting residents back into work
Eastleigh Borough Council are committed to working with Job Centre Plus (JCP), based in the town centre, to support residents back into work. Working with the employer partnerships team, the Council have been able to offer work placements and an information session and plan to continue this throughout 2025.
Tracy Lambe, Employer Advisor at JCP, said: “There have been positive reviews and outcomes from jobseekers following work experience placements with Eastleigh Borough Council. Candidates with a range of abilities have been able to access the opportunity. Some who had little or no recent work history have thrived in placements. Gaining new skills, experience and confidence resulting in a more positive work-focused mindset and routine.”
Placements have resulted in individuals applying for and securing roles with Eastleigh Borough Council
and others have used the experience to help them to secure other roles. The work experience support provided is invaluable resulting in individuals gaining the confidence to move forward into employment.
The Job Centre Plus are always keen to hear from local businesses and employers that may be able to assist with providing work placements, work trials or attendance at job fairs.
If this is something you would like to be involved in, please contact tracy.lambe@dwp.gov.uk
SIMPLER RECYCLING
Workplace recycling for businesses
DID YOU KNOW?
From 31 March 2025 (or 31 March 2027 for small firms up to 10 full time staff), all workplaces (businesses and non-domestic premises) in England have a legal duty to separate their waste into:
• dry recyclable materials - plastic, metal, glass, paper and card
• food waste
• black bin waste (residual waste)
HOW CAN THE COUNCIL HELP?
Eastleigh Borough Council Commercial Waste Services can provide: Weekly food waste collections, Recycling collections of metals, plastics and paper/cardboard in the same container and separate glass collections weekly or fortnightly.
Find out more
trade.waste@eastleigh.gov.uk eastleigh.gov.uk/commercialwaste
Polish wartime refugees commemorated
A new public art project is commemorating the use of Hiltingbury Recreation Ground as the site of a refugee camp for almost a thousand Polish refugees during the Second World War.
Over the past six months, artist Janetka Platun has spent time meeting with former residents of the camp, their children and the wider Polish community to design the tribute to their experiences.
Residents can comment on the planning application for Janetka’s proposals.
Scan the QR code for more information
Spitfire Wellbeing Fund launched to support local community health initiatives
A fund for community groups, backed with a £100,000 kick-start from Southampton Airport, has made its first awards to local community groups. Recipients include; Itchen Navigation Preservation Trust, Youth Options, Momentum in Fitness and North Stoneham Community Group.
The Southampton Airport Spitfire Wellbeing Fund is aimed at community organisations, charities and other groups delivering initiatives that reduce health inequalities and improve health and wellbeing across the Hampshire area.
The fund focuses on three key areas of support:
• Physical activity – supporting community groups, charities and projects promoting physical activity
• Mental wellbeing – supporting
groups, charities and projects which focus on protecting and enhancing mental health in the local community
• Access to open spaces – the fund support groups, charities and projects which promote and deliver access to open and green spaces.
The Fund is a partnership between Eastleigh, Southampton Winchester and Hampshire Councils and Southampton Airport.
Scan the QR code for more information Pictured are Cllr Tonia Craig (back row, right) representing the Spitfire Fund Board, James Alderson from Southampton Airport (back row left) and award recipients.
New homes to be delivered in Netley
Work will soon be commencing at Queens View, Netley to deliver 18 new 1-bed and 2-bed residential flats and a retail unit, along with associated landscaping, vehicle and cycle parking, following full planning approval being granted in October 2024.
The homes will form part of the Council’s ‘eastbrooke homes’ housing portfolio and its commitment to deliver much needed housing in the Borough, by utilising Council-owned brownfield land in existing residential areas with existing supporting community infrastructure.
The Council made a successful grant application to Homes England’s Affordable Homes Programme, to be able to provide social housing. We were awarded £2.1 million that enables all 18 flats to be offered for social rent that will help to meet the demand for affordable housing for individuals and small families in the local area.
The energy-efficient apartments will achieve the energy performance standards of the Future Homes Standard (2025) demonstrating a commitment to renewable energy with the inclusion of solar panels, air source heat pumps and EV charging points.
The homes will be constructed by Amiri Construction and work is set to commence this Spring.
1-4 Bedroom Homes for Sale and Rent
Upcoming changes to local government: what you need to know
There are three levels of local government in Eastleigh: Hampshire County Council, Eastleigh Borough Council and 11 parish and town councils.
The Government has recently announced changes to this system in Hampshire, but most of them will not happen for several years, and parish councils will be unaffected. The first change is that there will be no County Council elections this year – but parish elections and the Hamble by-election on 6 March will go ahead.
The second stage is the election in 2026 of a ‘regional Mayor’ who will cover all of Hampshire (including Southampton and Portsmouth) as well as the Isle of Wight. This is a model that has been applied in other parts of England like Yorkshire, where the Mayors have been given some powers and funds normally held by the Westminster government, rather than taking powers from councils.
The final part of the Government’s plan is that the 14 Hampshire councils will then merge, to create several ‘unitary’ councils across Hampshire that are larger than the current Boroughs and combine all council responsibilities. So, instead of the current system where waste is collected by the Borough Council and transferred to the County Council for disposal, one council will
manage that whole process across an area that might include (for example) Eastleigh, Southampton and some surrounding areas. The date for this change is not yet known, but it is expected to happen by 2028.
At Eastleigh Borough Council, we are involved in all these discussions. Our priority will be to ensure that services to residents continue to be unaffected. Over time, as the new council for Eastleigh takes shape and all the various services are carefully merged, the new Councillors may decide to bring in other changes, but it is expected that this will not be for five years or more. We will keep readers updated as the process continues.
Have your say
Local Area Committees hold public question sessions at the start of each meeting
Local Area Committees (LACs) are made up of elected ward councillors. They take decisions and make representations relating to their area on a wide range of Council business, including determining planning applications and environmental improvements.
Public question sessions are held at the start of each meeting and if you would like to speak, you must register before the meeting begins. Please email democraticservices@eastleigh.gov.uk or you can register at the meeting. Each LAC has a Local Area Manager who works with the councillors to set the strategic direction of the committee’s work.
Contact us: Eastleigh Borough Council, Eastleigh House, Upper Market Street, Eastleigh SO50 9YN 023 8068 8000 @EastleighBC eastleigh.gov.uk • my.eastleigh.gov.uk
Sign up to receive updates from us at: eastleigh.gov.uk/weeklynews
Local Plan drop-ins success
Thanks to everyone who attended the public drop-in sessions on the Eastleigh Local Plan.
The drop-ins, which took place across the Borough, gave residents, businesses and local organisations the chance to comment at an early stage in the Local Plan process as part of an eight-week formal public consultation.
The Eastleigh Local Plan will identify where and how much development is needed in the Borough over the next 20 years and will provide the basis
for future planning decisions. It will also include policies to protect the environment, respond to climate change and ensure high-quality design to create places that meet the needs of our communities.
The Council is now carefully reviewing all the comments received and pulling together further evidence. In 2026 preferred sites for new homes, jobs and infrastructure and supporting facilities will be identified, and their deliverability will be tested in more detail.
Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath (6.30pm) 12 March • 25 June
Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/bifohh or contact kitty.budden@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 8418
Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound (6pm) 27 March • 19 June
Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/bhh or contact ross.mcclean@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 3367
Chandler’s Ford & Hiltingbury (7pm) 19 March • 11 June
Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/cfh or contact guy.riddoch@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 3369
Eastleigh (7pm) 11 March • 3 June
Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/elac or contact guy.riddoch@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 3369
Hedge End, West End & Botley (7pm) 3 March • 23 June
Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/heweb or contact ross.mcclean@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 3367
Details are correct at time of print. Distribution period - We try to ensure that the dates featured or listed in the Borough News fall after the last copy is delivered. However, some events may occur during the delivery period. We try to avoid this, but we are keen that events get as much publicity as possible.
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only plastic bottles
tins and cans
aerosols empty
(no takeaway pizza boxes)
In 2024, we responded to 2,544 emergencies. 101 of those were in Eastleigh. On average we respond to seven emergencies every day by air and by road.
“THE AIR AMBULANCE CREW GAVE ME CPR AND SAVED ME. WITHOUT THEM, I WOULDN’T BE HERE NOW. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT.
I’m desperate to fundraise for the charity, especially to help them move into their new Airbase. It’s a great comfort to know they’ll be able to help many more people like me in the future.”
Trebilcock, Cardiac Arrest Patient, Eastleigh
HELP US BE THERE FOR MORE PEOPLE LIKE JEANETTE AND DONATE TO OUR APPEAL TODAY. Donate online at hiowaa.org/appeal or use your smartphone to scan this code.
Jeanette
