AN ACTION group has urged East Hampshire District Council to think greener as the blueprint for the area takes shape.

Residents have less than a week to give their input on the Draft Local Plan with March 4 being the final day for comments.

More than 3,800 comments have already been submitted with most focusing on future housing allocation sites and the need for better infrastructure around the district.

The Petersfield Climate Action Network (PeCAN) have been among the responders with the environmental charity publishing a detailed response.

They have backed a final push for more feedback, and hope residents will support the plan’s strong climate and nature policies.

“The plan’s main role is to say where new homes will go it also says how they should be built,” said Greg Ford, chair of PeCAN trustees.

“There is no reason developers should build homes that pollute the environment and cost more to run, so let’s speak up for new homes that respect the environment and climate.

“PeCAN trustees think the climate and nature policies in the plan do that very well and we encourage residents to back them in their comments.”

PeCAN’s response focuses on sustainability and was drafted by trustees working on sustainable homes, active travel and nature recovery.

They believe new homes should be built to a high-energy efficient standard and should produce the same amount of renewable energy as they use.

PeCAN has also given feedback on improving travel and the long-term management of biodiversity net gain sites. They have also highlighted the need to prepare for the effects of climate change in a low-lying area like ours, particularly with reference to natural drainage.

PeCAN encourages all residents to “have your say” – go to www.petersfieldcan.org for help and more information.