WHITCHURCH residents have voted overwhelmingly in favour of adopting a Neighbourhood Plan.

The Whitchurch Neighbourhood Plan referendum took place yesterday (Thursday) with residents being asked “Do you want Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) to use the neighbourhood plan for Whitchurch to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”

Whitchurch residents voted overwhelmingly in favour of BDBC adopting the plan - 92.71% to 7.29%.

However, the overall turnout stood at just 28.22% with 1017 people voting 'yes', 79 people opting for 'no' and one spoilt ballot.

If adopted, the plan will be influential in how the parish area handles planning applications for sites in the Whitchurch area for years to come.

The referendum came after a consultation period which took place over the past two years.

The plan details some of the improvements and restrictions on planning that residents of Whitchurch would want to see in the area.

Full details of the Neighbourhood Plan are available to view online on BDBC’s website www.basingstoke.gov.uk.