THE?year 2016 has been another busy year.

Firstly, we saw the neighbourhood plan being adopted as a statutory planning document, forming part of the local development plan. This document is now being used by Alton Town Council, East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council when considering planning applications for the town.

The town council was also involved in the production of the development brief for the shaping of the former Molson Coors Brewery site which evolved following a number of public consultations. Once a developer has been selected to take the site forward, Alton Town Council will start a dialogue, followed by public consultation, to ensure the delivery of community facilities at this key location for the town.

The first few months of 2017 will likely see the commencement of a number of developments across the town, with the Cadnams Farm site, the former Bass Sports Ground site in Anstey Road, the McCarthy & Stone site on Lower Turk Street and the Will Hall Farm site all being progressed through the local planning authority.

We also await the outcome of the appeal on the proposed services off the A31 at Holybourne.

2017 is a going to be a big year for events across the town and the surrounding villages.

The new Alton Events Guide will be delivered to every household during January and while this coming year is heavily focused on commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the death of local literary icon Jane Austen, we also have a huge number of other events across the town throughout the year to keep residents and visitors entertained each week!

Alton Town Council has also produced a new pocket guide to Alton, available from the town hall and disseminated across the town as part of the town council’s drive to promote Alton for tourism. There will also be a welcome pack available this year for anyone moving into Alton to help them find their way around the local area, detailing local services and information.

While the coming year is likely to see an ever-increasing squeeze on the public purse along with concerns over precept capping and the continued uncertainly around devolution, Alton Town Council is proud to be continuing to deliver an ambitious programme of projects and improvements around the town despite the growing number of constraints.

I would like to wish you all a happy and engaging New Year.

Peter Hicks

Leader, Alton Town Council