Sit back, turn the sound up and enjoy this cautionary planning tale, recently broadcast on Radio 4. As you listen to the description of Fareham as 'Subtopia', consider how bad things are going to be when Havant Borough Council's ambitions for Campdown and Southleigh are eventually nodded through. Click the image to listen With thanks … Continue reading Remembering Solent City – A cautionary tale for Campdown and Southleigh
Christmas is Coming!
It's creeping up quicker than the HCS Editor has realised, being temporarily out of action. After the drama and disruption surrounding the long-overdue demolition of the old railway footbridge, we've got something cheerful to report. It's the Spring Christmas Makers' Market coming up this Sunday, 15 November, the wonderful St Faith's Christmas Market coming up … Continue reading Christmas is Coming!
Havant Station Footbridge to Shut for Year‑Long Closure from October 2026
In case you are not yet aware, the footbridge at Havant station will close to the public at the end of next week – 28 September – and will remain closed for a period likely to be for at least a year - until the new footbridge is in place. Update 28 September - This … Continue reading Havant Station Footbridge to Shut for Year‑Long Closure from October 2026
‘Havant Heritage’ and ‘Eco Arts’ Festivals
We have two festivals coming up welcoming residents and visitors to Havant Town Centre. Let's hope for good weather and a good turnout. This year's Heritage Festival will take place from Friday 11th – Monday 21st September at various locations across Havant Borough. You may have seen the banners around the town - the details … Continue reading ‘Havant Heritage’ and ‘Eco Arts’ Festivals
Havant’s Planning System – Fact-checking HBC’s statement to BBC South Today
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