Holybourne faces an existential threat that threatens to destroy the environment, charm, security and character of the village that we love. The District Council, the Planning Authority that decides where new housing development can take place, is currently considering where to designate areas for large scale housing development and Holybourne is featuring in those deliberations.

The village has never been opposed to appropriate, sensitive development and has actually almost doubled in size since the mid-sixties. What is clear now to anyone who uses London Road, is that the village is full to capacity and apart from in-fill development, cannot take any more large scale building. We have witnessed large vehicles, including emergency vehicles, not being able to pass through the village.

New owners of land that surrounds the village are looking with interest at the development possibilities which could see the village change beyond recognition. We could lose the beautiful views of Holybourne Down to development that would change the Brockham Hill area for ever. Despite being assured that the new owners would be “legacy” farmers, maintaining the agricultural nature of the village environs, it has become clear that this is not the case. Planning applications by the owners in Froyle, our neighbouring parish have revealed their desire to build houses where agricultural buildings currently stand and to intensify development wherever they can.

What can we do about this? The Holybourne Village Association that represents everyone in the village has declared itself to be opposed to new large scale development. We have set up a small group of individuals to fight any such plans but we cannot do this without your help. We are challenged by would be developers with bottomless pockets of money and we are all amateurs in this field. We need professional help and that does not come cheap.

The HVA is launching an appeal for money to fight this challenge to our village. If you are able to help, please do so. Developers will throw money at a site that will reap them millions but destroy what the rest of us value. Holybourne is not nimbyist and it’s right that we meet our own housing need and respect the national need for housing. What is clear is that large scale development cannot take place without destroying what we love.

Please do help us if you possibly can.

Thank you!