ANN WHEAL: Historic Titchfield must co-exist with the new Titchfield

So runs the vision of Titchfield’s Neighbourhood Plan, put together by a group of Titchfield residents and unveiled recently in the village’s Parish Rooms.

Titchfield has a wealth of medieval properties as well as some much older – St Peter’s Church dates back to 680.

But much of it is modern. For example, apartments at the bottom of Southampton Hill are still under construction.

The plan recognises that some new housing, especially affordable housing and homes for first-time buyers are necessary help the village to evolve.

The plan also offers some innovative solutions to traffic and parking.

Businesses and residents, whether fit or disabled, must have full and safe access to village amenities.

Proposals for a healthier environment include a walking group, more use of the canal path, an adventure trail and outdoor gym equipment.

A defibrillator has already been obtained and people are being trained to use it.

The plan addresses the village’s appearance, including entering the Village in Bloom 2017 contest, which assesses houses, shops, schools, societies, businesses – everything which makes up village life.

It calls for better signage, the possibility of mature trees in the Square and encouraging the theatres.

The village’s plan should be submitted to Fareham Borough Council next year, at the same time that Fareham submits its own plan.

Next comes an independent examination and a village-wide referendum.

The plan declares: ‘The historical heritage of Titchfield should be valued and protected for future generations, but historic Titchfield must co-exist with future Titchfield with detriment to neither.’

Ann Wheal is chairman of the Titchfield Neighbourhood Forum