On 15 July 2026, BBC South Today broadcast a report by Matt Graveling on the Local Land Charges search problems that have been holding up property transactions in South Oxfordshire District Council and Vale of White Horse District Council. As the report noted, Havant Borough Council and Bracknell Forest District Council had both encountered similar … Continue reading Havant’s Planning System – Fact-checking HBC’s statement to BBC South Today
Building a Better Future – The Public Consultation
On 20 July, Havant Borough Council opened what is likely to be the last real opportunity for residents to influence the Building a Better Future Plan before it is handed to a Government-appointed Planning Inspector for independent examination. Given how much rests on this plan - it will shape housing, employment and green space across … Continue reading Building a Better Future – The Public Consultation
Banking Hub Update – 16 July 2026
Following the closure of Lloyds and Halifax branches in January, the new, temporary, Banking Hub is due to open in Market Parade sometime this week, current outlook Friday. There was a representative from the organisation which sets up and manages Banking Hubs at a table in the Meridian Centre last Friday lunchtime (10 July), though … Continue reading Banking Hub Update – 16 July 2026
Who was ‘Calico John’?
As the July meeting of the Havant Local History Group drew to a close, an audience member asked the HCS Cub Reporter: "Who exactly was “J. Bulbeck”, and what right did he have to be possessive about the wall that carries his name?" That was the second time in as many days that the subject … Continue reading Who was ‘Calico John’?
Two major consultations, one ticking traffic timebomb
Over the next few weeks, Havant residents are being asked to do something remarkable: read, understand and respond to two of the most consequential planning processes this borough has faced in a generation - at more or less the same time and largely across the school summer holidays. The two public consultations From 20 July, … Continue reading Two major consultations, one ticking traffic timebomb
Southleigh, Bloor Homes – Our first questions are now on the public record
Havant Civic Society has submitted a set of detailed, factual questions on the Environmental Statement and Transport Assessment supporting the Southleigh planning application (APP/26/00324, up to 1,800 homes). Havant Borough Council has added our submission to the planning case file, where it now sits alongside the applicant's own documents for anyone to read. We're sharing … Continue reading Southleigh, Bloor Homes – Our first questions are now on the public record
Southleigh – Here’s where things stand
Following the January 2026 Development Consultation Forum, Bloor Homes' outline application for the Southleigh site is now live on Havant Borough Council's planning portal. For those wanting the headline facts: The application seeks outline permission for up to 1,800 homes, together with a local centre, a three-form-entry primary school, and associated open space and infrastructure. … Continue reading Southleigh – Here’s where things stand
Former Colt site now rescheduled (again!) for auction on 5 August 2026
Update: 2 July 2026 - It might have come as a surprise to Havant Borough Council that Homes England were putting this site up for sale by auction. In any event, we've noticed that it was either withdrawn from the auction of 17 June or failed to meet its reserve value. In any event, it's … Continue reading Former Colt site now rescheduled (again!) for auction on 5 August 2026
Southleigh – A first look and a few stats from the Bloor Homes planning application
The Bloor Homes planning application was apparently received by HBC Planning Services on 12 May, and 'validated' on 3 June, almost a month ago. So some of you might be asking why hasn't it appeared on the Weekly Planning List yet? The next obvious question you might ask is, "when does/did the formal public consultation … Continue reading Southleigh – A first look and a few stats from the Bloor Homes planning application
Development proposal for a Care Home at the Oak Park site
HCS has been following the long-delayed proposals for redevelopment of the Oak Park site for many years now, and former councillor and local campaigner Ann Buckley has been more active than most in keeping it in the public eye. See this HCS report from five years ago: Oak Park Hospital site update – Havant Civic … Continue reading Development proposal for a Care Home at the Oak Park site