AS Medstead and Four Marks residents reel from the turmoil of planning battles a plea has gone out to get involved in the drawing up of a joint neighbourhood plan.

With an open meeting next Saturday to update people on the progress of the Plan, the determination of large and controversial applications over the past few weeks has highlighted the need for a strong and united approach to stave off yet more overwhelming, large­scale development on sites that local people often feel are unsuitable and unsustainable.

Having battled long and hard to prevent further large­scale development at Friars Oak Farm in Boyneswood Road, South Medstead, NoGreenGrab campaigners have been forced to concede defeat following news that a bid to have the application 'called in' by Secretary of State Brandon Lewis, has failed.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.