MORE than 100 people spent an evening debating a range of issues on housing policy.

Held at St Mary’s Bourne Village Centre the debate was chaired by North West Hampshire MP and housing minister Kit Malthouse on Friday last week.

Mr Malthouse was joined by members of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Hampshire with guests from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT).

During the two-hour debate, residents raised issues from planning reform to beauty in design.

Mr Malthouse said: “The government is making incredible progress with housing, we’re building more homes than any government in decades - 222,190 last year, while keeping local people in control, ensuring we build the homes of the right type, in the right place and at the right time.

“Which is why it was fantastic chairing a debate on housing policy in my own constituency, especially with such an experienced panel made up of the CPRE Hampshire and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

“Well over a hundred people came along, and seeing my own constituents engage so passionately with more, better, faster was a joy for me as housing minster. Hearing the thoughts of passionate citizens certainly gave me ideas that I will strongly consider in future policy.”

CPRE Hampshire Chair Dee Haas added: “This was a really fantastic opportunity for local people to have their say and debate some of the issues around housing and planning in Hampshire with a government minister and local representative.

“I’m always amazed by the breadth of knowledge held by our members and the level of interest and passion local communities have about these issues.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for the minister to run through current government policy and to debate some of these ideas and influencing factors with the Hampshire community, as well as our expert speakers.”