Your Place Magazine
Welcome
Content published 10 February 2026
Welcome to Your Place from the council’s Leader Cllr Paul Harvey and Co-Leader Cllr Gavin James (pictured).
This is an interesting time for your borough council, as we prepare for major changes to local government in Hampshire that will see new unitary councils providing your services in the future.
In the Your future council section, you can find out more about the proposals for the new council from 2028.
As the leaders of the Cabinet that took over the running of the council in 2023, this is a good time for us to reflect on what has been achieved. We set ourselves tough targets to act on the things that mean the most to our residents and we are proud of this financially stable and high-performing council.
This edition of Your Place gives a snapshot of the latest news about what the council is doing. For example, focusing on what gives people pride in their areas; improving allotments; investing in community, leisure and arts facilities; cutting waste and carbon; supporting small businesses; nurturing nature; cracking down on fly-tipping; and our award-winning events programme.
To give more information, we have produced an update report charting progress against the Council Plan 2023 to 2027 and setting out how we will continue to deliver against its priorities over the next two years.
Your services
Content published 10 February 2026
New leisure centre progress
Look out for exciting news as we’re making waves in our plans to deliver a new energy-efficient water and leisure complex to replace our much-loved Aquadrome at the leisure park in Basingstoke.
Following a detailed search for specialists to build and operate the new centre, we could sign contracts with a partner this spring. This would be followed by the submission of a planning application. Shaped by your feedback and everything you love about the Aquadrome, the facilities are set to include new leisure waters with flumes, indoor play activities, a 25-metre eight-lane competition pool, 20-metre four-lane teaching pool, a 150-station gym, three studios and a spin zone, party rooms and café.
Subject to getting planning approval, the new action-packed complex will move to a prime spot in the centre of the leisure park in 2029.
"We’re focused on delivering an ultra-modern and energy-efficient leisure complex that our residents will rave about and doing it as fast as we can, while ensuring our existing facilities continue to meet users’ needs.”
Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Regeneration Cllr Onnalee Cubitt
Splashing out on pool improvements
While work continues to deliver the new complex at the leisure park, our current leisure provider Serco is continuing to improve facilities at the Aquadrome and its sister site Tadley Health and Fitness Centre.
This includes new poolside showers at the Aquadrome with more new showers also being installed in the gym and health suite.
At Tadley, a new moveable pool floor, pool cover and new poolside showers have been delivered. Solar panels and upgrades to equipment have also meant the centre is working as efficiently as possible. This is alongside accessibility improvements at both centres.
Find out more about our leisure facilities
Planning a hole lot of golfing fun
We’re driving forward plans for new golf attractions at the leisure park as part of our commitment to reprovide facilities currently at Basingstoke Golf Centre.
In January, Cabinet agreed to progress plans for a golf-pod style driving range and 18-hole adventure golf course - two of the most well used attractions – on unused land overlooking Churchill Way West, subject to getting planning permission.
These will provide entry-level sports facilities that introduce people to golf as well as an affordable fun activity for families and groups.
Alongside the facilities at the leisure park, we will also continue work to consider the right longer-term location for a new pitch and putt course. This follows a decision to no longer consider Down Grange as a potential location for a new pitch and putt course and driving range, following engagement with Down Grange clubs, the wider community and golf centre users.
Lights, repairs, action
We’ve invested over £1.6 million in two of the borough’s flagship cultural facilities to protect the much-loved venues for the future.
Repair work at The Anvil and Haymarket in Basingstoke town centre has included major work on the roofs, windows and guttering, alongside other work to weatherproof the buildings and preserve their character.
Further work on the roof at The Anvil is expected to be completed shortly and additional decorative lighting has been installed outside the building to brighten up the area.
Town centre partner search
We want to attract more people into the historic heart of Basingstoke and further improve the town centre and Basing View business park as thriving destinations for residents, visitors and businesses.
To do this we’re looking for a partner to invest and help deliver projects set out in the Town Centre Masterplan, approved in 2022.
Plans that could be taken forward include new leisure uses and homes for all ages, that have easy access to shops and restaurants, along with high-quality office space.
Find out more about the future of the town centre
Transport link saved
People in the north-west part of the borough including Highclere, Woolton Hill, Penwood, Burghclere, Sydmonton and Ecchinswell can travel to Newbury by public transport again – now for £2 or less – using a pre-bookable community taxishare service.
Fully funded by us, it runs on Mondays and Fridays, except bank holidays, with a morning trip to Newbury and an afternoon return from Newbury.
The expanded Ashmansworth service replaces the Stagecoach 7/7a bus that used to serve the area. It was cancelled last August after Hampshire County Council, which is responsible for local public transport, removed its subsidy. The taxishare is managed by the county council but we cover its costs.
To register for the service, email Community Transport, call 01962 846785 or visit Hampshire County Council’s website.
Pictured The Royal Oak in Ecchinswell, which is one of the stops covered by the service.
Eating out now on the menu
From April it will be easier and more affordable for hospitality businesses to create outdoor seating areas to serve food and drink, which has certainly got one happy customer’s tail wagging!
Aimed at helping businesses to increase their outdoor capacity and boost daytime and nighttime trade, our plans include new low-cost two-year pavement licences for removable outdoor furniture at businesses serving food and or drink. We’re also introducing a 25% reduction in one-year permit fees for fixed tables and chairs to support businesses who have already invested in permanent seating areas or are not food venues.
This builds on other targeted support we’ve provided including the Town and Village Centre Fund that has so far helped 26 high street businesses to make improvements to their premises.
Pictured The outdoor seating area at The Yard in Chilton Candover. It is owned by Chilton Manor Farm, which recently received support from us for a new play area and gelato production equipment.
Growing better facilities at allotments
We’re planning to invest just under £300,000 to help improve allotments for our green-fingered residents.
Work is underway to assess our 42 allotments sites and identify where improvements are most needed. These may include replacing toilet blocks, enhancing access paths, improving site security and adding water troughs and compost bins.
We’re also creating 16 new plots on unused areas at our existing allotments at Churchill Way in Brookvale, South View and Whiteditch in Norden and Kelvin Hill in South Ham.
New renters’ rights
People who rent homes across the borough are set to benefit from greater security and protection as well as improved living standards, after the Renters’ Rights Bill became law at the end of 2025.
The government plans to start a phased roll out of new measures, including the end of no-fault evictions, rental increases limited to once per year, the right to request a pet and protections from discrimination, from May. Other measures such as a mandatory landlord registration database and new standards for safety will be phased in from late 2026.
We will be sharing more information on our housing webpages
A warm winter welcome
Anyone found sleeping on the streets across the borough during the colder winter months was offered a safe place to sleep, a hot meal and a listening ear, thanks to the incredible efforts of volunteers and the local churches.
Open every night between 1 December and 28 February, the Night Light Winter Shelter helped an average of six people per night who would have been sleeping rough during the coldest months.
As well as providing a safe place to go, guests were supported by partners in the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership, with many helped into longer-term accommodation, showing the real difference this project makes.
As part of our commitment to protecting these vital services, we’re in the process of buying May Place House, a hostel in Basingstoke town centre, before work on an extensive refurbishment of the building takes place to bring it up to modern standards.
Find out more about our collective work on the Real Change website.
If you see someone who may be sleeping rough, you can alert StreetLink so they can get the support they need.
Ready to spring into action
After a busy winter, our teams tasked with keeping the borough clean and tidy are now working hard to help it bloom and targeting new areas to receive some extra care and attention.
Across the borough we carry out grass cutting, litter-picking, planting and leaf clearance and remove graffiti and fly-tipping.
Where we feel areas need some extra care and attention, we send in our Make a Difference teams to deep clean paths and community areas or tackle overgrown green spaces. Over the next six to 12 months they will be focusing their work on areas in South Ham, Bramley, Hatch Warren, Beggarwood, Sherborne St John, Tadley, Kempshott and Buckskin.
Cracking down on fly-tipping
We’re taking tough action against fly-tippers in our borough and continuing to support people to make the right choices with their waste.
Last year we achieved 15 fly-tipping prosecutions resulting in fines, community orders or prison sentences and handed out 29 fixed penalty notices to people who deliberately dumped their rubbish.
To help reduce fly-tipping, we’ve increased warning signs at known hotspots, including our recycling sites around the borough. New floor signage has also been added to the recycling site at Brighton Hill (pictured). Coupled with CCTV, this action has reduced fly-tipping at these sites and led to convictions.
If you see or witness fly-tipping report it online
Not sure how to dispose of any item? Check our A to Z of waste online
“Fly-tipping is unacceptable and we’re working hard to take action against people who deliberately fly-tip while also helping residents to understand how to dispose of their rubbish correctly.”
Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James
Clearing up issues with dog mess
As the spring weather approaches and more people return to our parks and green spaces, our community safety patrol officers will be supporting communities to help to stop incidents of dog fouling.
Dog mess left on the ground is dangerous as it can lead to serious infections if someone accidentally comes into contact with it.
There is a borough-wide public spaces protection order in force, making it an offence not only to leave dog mess behind but also to walk a dog without carrying poo bags.
To help crack down on this foul behaviour, the team targets hot spot areas to give advice to dog owners and carry out extra patrols. Offenders could face fines of £100 or prosecution.
You can report dog fouling on our website
It’s time for play
Families can now enjoy new and inclusive play facilities at four areas in the borough.
We’ve installed a brand new play area at Arlott Drive in South View (pictured), replacing the existing outdated play space. It forms part of our work to improve our play areas that are most in need of refurbishment in the borough.
Three other play areas have also been given major makeovers as part of this programme. Watling End play area in Hatch Warren was completed in December, Two Gate Meadow in Overton in February and Cranesfield in Sherborne St John is planned to open in early spring.
We’re now working on our next programme of refurbishments and asking residents for their views on the improvements they’d like to see at Warblington Close in Tadley, Constantine Way in Hatch Warren, Meadowland in Chineham and Eastrop Community Centre in Eastrop.
Find out more information about our play area refurbishment programme.
Safer course for BMXers
We’ve carried out work at Down Grange BMX jumps in Kempshott to improve the course’s usability and safety for users.
Combining feedback from existing users and the expertise of a BMX track builder, the jumps have been remodelled. We’ve also added new fencing around the course, a new bin and signage.
We’ve also worked with the ambulance service to improve emergency access to the track.
Open space enhanced
We’re investing £380,000 of developer funding in Old Down Woodland Park to deliver a programme of exciting improvements, new signage and seating and improved footpaths.
This is alongside a range of recreational features, including a wildlife trail, sculptures, outdoor fitness facilities and habitat enhancements.
Shaped by feedback from local residents, the Old Down Wildlife Group and people who regularly use the park, the plans strike a careful balance between enhancing visitor experiences and protecting Old Down’s unique character and wildlife. We plan to complete the improvements by spring 2027 and are also looking to designate land at Old Down a local nature reserve.
Your environment
Content published 10 February 2026
Free fixing stops tonnes of waste
More than five tonnes of waste have been saved from landfill by the borough’s seven repair cafés so far.
Do you have items at home that are broken, damaged or in need of love? You could get clothes, bikes, toys or other items fixed for free – saving you money and cutting your carbon footprint – by bringing them to the experts at your local repair café. Find your nearest repair café.
Many of the repair cafés are part of the Basingstoke Area Sustainability Forum, made up of community groups we support to act on climate change and protect nature.
We also work with organisations including the NHS, businesses and colleges towards a greener borough – including through a new partnership brought together to help our area reach net zero by 2045.
Creating this partnership was one of our priority actions under the borough’s refreshed strategy for tackling climate change and improving air quality. It was updated as we approached our goal to be a carbon-neutral council in December to refocus efforts on cutting emissions across Basingstoke and Deane.
Read the climate change and air quality strategy.
Pictured: Volunteers at the repair café in Kingsclere.
“All of us have a part to play to protect the environment by helping the borough reach its goal to be carbon net zero by 2045. We are supporting communities and businesses to do this.”
Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency Cllr Chris Tomblin
Carbon-cutting cars and cabs
Public electric vehicle chargers are now live in every ward.
We’ve installed more than 50 chargers so far, including six last year, in our car parks and on our land. And as we roll more of these out, we will also continue to push Hampshire County Council – as the body responsible – to install on-street chargers too to help even more drivers swap to zero-emission vehicles.
We are also making taxi travel greener. Eight people have already taken up our grant scheme that offers £5,000 towards buying an ultra-low emission hackney carriage. And from April, we will license low-carbon private hire vehicles for free for two years – saving their owners up to £300 per vehicle.
Find out more about our climate action
Ancient woodland declared a nature reserve
We’ve made Little Pen Wood, in the Highclere area, the 11th local nature reserve in Basingstoke and Deane.
Local nature reserves are parks and open spaces that are managed for nature and give people opportunities to enjoy and learn about wildlife. They can still be used for activities including dog walking, running and cycling.
Work is already underway to designate more sites, based on a priority list. We’re also looking to add land at Old Down in western Basingstoke to that list, as we want to move forward with making it a local nature reserve.
Volunteers in a new nature group (pictured) are now working with our rangers and Natural Basingstoke to care for Little Pen Wood.
Getting ready for new native trees
Over 800 tree saplings, including species like English, oak and common beech, will be planted at the Crabtree and Dickens Lane plantations in Old Basing this month.
As they grow in the woodlands around the Bolton Arch, the native trees will help to create the right conditions and habitats for the white helleborine – a rare wildflower that provides food for pollinators including bees and butterflies.
This follows recent work (pictured) to remove some dead and dying trees suffering from ash dieback, non-native species and a third of the sycamores. The new trees that are planted by our rangers and volunteers from Natural Basingstoke and the Black Dam and Crabtree Conservation Group will support a wider range of insects, birds and fungi.
Bloomin’ lovely
More than 12 football pitches’ worth of new wildflower meadows are now beginning to bloom locally, providing food and shelter for bees, butterflies and other native wildlife.
Old Down in Basingstoke (pictured) is just one of many places where volunteers, Natural Basingstoke and our rangers have sown seeds for species including cowslips and clustered bell flowers over the past 18 months.
Now, as these thousands of wildflowers bloom, they will look beautiful and give wildlife the shelter and food they need to thrive, supporting our biodiversity strategy’s aim to help nature recover in Basingstoke and Deane.
Sun to power more community centres
Hundreds of solar panels are being installed on up to 12 of our community centres.
Once in place, the zero-emission electricity they generate will cut the borough’s carbon to make its air cleaner and reduce energy bills for the centres, freeing up more money for local activities and events.
Bishops Green Village Hall (pictured), Hill Rise Hall in Brighton Hill, Old Down Hall and the Beggarwood, Hatch Warren and Roger Morris community centres had already been fitted with panels when this magazine went to print.
The other sites set to be improved, subject to final checks and planning permissions, are the Rooksdown and Rucstall community centres, The Link in Tadley, The Irish Centre in Basingstoke town centre, Oakridge Hall for All and Sycamore Halls in Winklebury.
Your community
Content published 10 February 2026
Shared Prosperity Fund
We’ve supported projects and initiatives with over £1.5 million of funding to strengthen local communities and support the borough’s economy.
Using funding from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund, we launched a number of grant funding schemes to benefit community and voluntary organisations and businesses.
Find out more about the Shared Prosperity Fund
Stepping back in time
This funding has helped to support community and voluntary groups to help residents with the cost of living, to improve facilities and services and to help people back into employment.
An example is a project in Overton and its surrounding villages, where visitors can now follow in Jane Austen’s footsteps and explore the places that inspired the early work of the world-famous author.
To mark the 250th anniversary of her birth, a group of volunteers from the village (including those pictured) working with Overton Parish Council, other community groups, clubs and businesses, have created dedicated walking and cycling trails to celebrate Jane Austen’s legacy and her unique links to Steventon, where she was born, Overton, Ashe and Deane.
Discover more about the Jane Austen Trails
Business support
Targeted support for businesses in the borough has also been given to boost apprenticeships and upskill staff, help to invest in innovative technologies and support high street businesses to upgrade shop fronts, carry out internal fit out work and create outdoor seating areas.
New community hub for South Ham
A former pub is being given a new lease of life to restart more community activities in South Ham.
We purchased the former Beacon Pub (pictured) in Kings Road and are leasing the building to housing provider Sovereign Network Group (SNG).
An extensive £500,000 refurbishment project, funded by SNG and shaped together with us and Westside Community Association, is now underway to create a space for local people to connect, learn and access support.
Once this work is complete, the community association will be able to expand its vital community services in the heart of South Ham, alongside activities currently being delivered at Russell Howard Pavillion, the Ridgeway Centre and King’s Café.
Together with the community association and SNG, work will continue to ensure that a new purpose-built community centre is an early priority as part of investment plans for the area.
Funding for communities
Almost £1 million of council funding has been given to community and voluntary groups over the past year to improve community buildings, support community organisations to be more resilient and introduce new services. This includes funding small scale but important local initiatives supported by ward councillors.
Across this section, we’ve shared examples of how this funding is making a big difference to residents across the borough. Find out more about the grants
Serving up new skills
Young adults with learning disabilities and autism are being given the opportunity to break down barriers to employment and unlock their potential thanks to a £15,000 grant from our Strengthening Communities Fund.
The money awarded to the Café Project has funded a 50-week training plan, including life skills, kitchen skills, customer service and technology skills. The Café Project runs Café Dome in Brighton Hill (pictured) and the Orchard Café in War Memorial Park. It provides the support, training, and opportunities needed to help people to thrive in the workforce and beyond.
Manager Carl Manners said: “This funding has enabled us to reach more young adults with learning disabilities and autism and build their skills and confidence in a working environment.”
Find out more about the Café Project
Access support
A grant of £13000, is helping youth homelessness service Step By Step to support young people in the borough to access fostering, supported lodging, emotional wellbeing support, housing support and life skills. Our funding has helped to promote the service and signpost to all the help, support and advice available.
Street Reach
Youth Options has launched new Street Reach sessions in Basingstoke town centre, South Ham and Popley using a £15,000 grant from us. Street Reach is a street-based youth work service, with trained youth workers spending time in areas where young people already gather. This helps to build positive, trusted relationships and offer early support in a safe, informal setting.
Visit the Youth Options website
Funding for sight loss support
Vision-impaired people in the borough are benefiting from a pilot project helping people with sight loss to get specialist support.
Using £14,000 of council funding for community groups and organisations, OpenSight will run the four-month pilot until April, providing free advice on sight loss, local services and technology at The Orchard in Basingstoke. The project also includes technology sessions, a workshop for people newly diagnosed with sight loss and activities for vision impaired children.
Visit OpenSight’s website to find out more
Blooming with new water bowser
Sherfield on Loddon Village Green volunteers now have a new water bowser to help them look after newly planted trees and plants across all 36 acres of Sherfield on Loddon Village Green. Thanks to a councillor grant of £900, they will be able to keep the green even greener from now on.
New equipment making its mark
Silchester Sports Pavilion has replaced its 50-year-old football pitch line marker with a newer one after receiving over £1,000 in councillor grant funding. The new marker will not only make life easier for Paul, the club’s volunteer groundsman of 30 years (pictured), but will also enhance the sporting facilities in the village.
“Our grants help to support the delivery of important services and activities tailored to meet the needs of our communities. Whether it’s improvements to buildings, new equipment, or funding for new staff – our groups and organisations are at the heart of our communities and are vital to helping them thrive.”
Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion Cllr John McKay
Oakley toilet upgrade
We’ve helped East Oakley Village Hall to upgrade its toilet facilities, with almost £20,500 of funding that has come from development.
The village hall now has a fully accessible toilet which includes baby changing facilities. A second unisex toilet has also been refurbished.
Sarum Hill church
The toilet facilities in Hope Community Church in Basingstoke have had a much-needed upgrade thanks to £7,982 from developers’ contributions.
The church is a vital hub for the community, hosting a range of activities, including toddler groups and parent support sessions, friendship groups for the elderly, youth activities and foodbank services.
The improvements will make the facilities more accessible, attractive and efficient.
Get creative to clean up
Volunteers, groups and organisations took part in two weeks of litter-picking action last month during our second Keep Basingstoke and Deane Clean campaign.
Community litter picks and tidy up events took place in the borough, with volunteers showing their support to help keep our streets, play areas and countryside clean and tidy.
And now there’s another chance for the borough’s younger residents to get involved by designing a poster to promote pride in our area and help stamp out antisocial acts like littering and dog fouling. Winning entries will receive a prize and get to see their poster displayed in play areas, parks and community areas in the borough.
Find out more on the competition and top tips on creating eye-catching poster designs.
Centre refurbishment starts
Work to transform Oakridge West Community Centre into a more modern, sustainable and accessible building for the whole community is underway and is expected to finish late summer.
Contractors have started demolition work on the central section of the community building in Upton Crescent, as part of the £1 million project funded through money that has come from development.
Improvements will include creating a more open and welcoming entrance lobby. The two large halls will be remodelled to ensure they work best for all manner of community activities, and there will be upgrades to the electrical and heating systems including introducing solar panels, heat pumps and LED lighting.
Your elections
Content published 10 February 2026
Elections to go ahead after councillors’ vote
We’re getting everything ready to hold borough, county council and some parish council elections in May.
The government confirmed elections will take place in the borough on Thursday 7 May, after councillors agreed in December to write to the government saying they did not want the elections to be delayed.
You must be registered to vote. You can register online
If voting at a polling station, you must also bring an approved form of photographic identification with you. A list of accepted forms of identification can be found on our website.
If you cannot attend or would prefer not to vote at a polling station, you can apply to vote by post. This will allow you to return your postal ballot back by post.
As part of changes introduced with the Elections Act 2022, postal vote applications are now valid for a maximum period of three years. We wrote to anyone affected by this change last year, asking them to reapply by 31 January 2026.
If you didn’t apply again, there is still time. To make sure you can vote by post at these elections, you will need to apply by 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026.
Your future council
Content published 10 February 2026
Decision on your future council
The government is set to make a decision this month (March) on the biggest change to councils in Hampshire for 50 years.
At the time of going to press, an announcement from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government was expected soon on the size and shape of the new unitary council that will provide all your services in future.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hampshire County Council will cease to exist after the changes, with a new unitary council providing all their services to you. It is expected to take over in May 2028.
The two different proposals
Four different options for new councils across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight were consulted on by the government. But in our area, it came down to two different proposals.
Basingstoke and Deane could become part of a northern Hampshire unitary council. This would bring together the existing areas of Basingstoke and Deane, Hart and Rushmoor, serving approximately 407,500 residents.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and 10 other councils in the county, who worked together to develop proposals for the best shape and size of the new unitary councils, all backed this proposal.
The other option consulted on by the government was submitted by Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council for four unitary councils.
This would join Basingstoke and Deane with East Hampshire, Hart, Rushmoor and Winchester, serving a population of 656,000 people.
The government is likely to choose one of these two options following the consultation, that ended in January, when they announce the new councils for Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
What is a unitary council?
A unitary council provides all local government services within its area, instead of splitting responsibilities between county and district councils.
Therefore, it is responsible for all main council services, such as education, transport and highways, social care, housing, planning, waste collection and disposal, libraries, environmental health and trading standards.
These types of councils are designed to stop residents’ confusion about which council provides which service, simplify structures, streamline decision‑making and reduce duplication.
Your homes
Content published 10 February 2026
A view of the gateway to Manydown
Here’s a first look at how the main entrance to Manydown could look, showing how nature will be at the heart of shaping the new community.
The CGI image is based on a detailed planning application for the landscaping for this phase of Manydown. Master developer Urban&Civic is partnering with us and Hampshire County Council to deliver the project.
Located off Roman Road in Basingstoke, opposite the junction with Winklebury Way, the main entrance features peaceful wildflower gardens and trees, with interlinking paths surrounding a large tranquil pond inspired by villages in the borough, alongside new homes.
The gateway will include a new four-way signalised junction with pedestrian and cycle crossings, ensuring residents and visitors can safely cross to explore everything Manydown has to offer.
Construction of the main road into the site started last year and has moved onto Roman Road.
To keep residents updated on its ideas and plans for Manydown, master developer Urban&Civic is hosting a series of drop-in sessions on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 March.
Find out more about the sessions
Views given on plan for new homes
Work is continuing to update our draft Local Plan that will guide where new homes and development go and how the environment is protected until 2042.
Over 4,500 representations were received during our consultation on the draft Local Plan’s spatial strategy which finished in January. As part of this work, hundreds of people also took the chance to visit our exhibitions to find out more about where new homes, employment spaces and infrastructure could go in the future.
Two years ago, we consulted on a full draft of our Local Plan. But, in December 2024, the government changed the national planning rules to require an additional 6,000 homes in the borough over the plan period.
Through the latest round of consultation, we asked for views on the suitability of a number of newly proposed sites before any decisions are made.
We are now using this feedback to further shape our draft Local Plan. To meet the government’s deadline to progress the plan under the current planning system, it will need to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate by the end of the year to be examined.
More information is available on our dedicated webpage
“I want to thank everyone for taking the time to give us their views. Our very challenging job now will be to address their feedback and, at the same time, meet the housing target that we’ve been set by the government.”
Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Cllr Andy Konieczko
Your waste and recycling
Content published 10 February 2026
Reducing our rubbish
It’s great news that across the borough we’re recycling more and putting less rubbish into our grey bins.
The first three months of our new food waste service have seen 1,065 tonnes of peelings and plate scrapings transformed into green energy and fertiliser – that’s roughly the weight of 177 elephants.
Record numbers of households are also signed up to garden waste collections, helping to turn even more clippings and cuttings into compost.
Our green recycling bins and glass boxes are getting plenty of use too. With national targets guiding us to halve the rubbish in our grey bins and double our recycling, we’re moving in the right direction but there’s still a lot more we can do.
Even before Hampshire County Council introduces recycling for plastic pots, tubs, trays and cartons in 2028, more than a quarter of what ends up in our grey bins could already be recycled.
We’ll continue supporting you to recycle more, including offering extra help and guidance on using your food waste service.
- If all homes in our borough recycle one more item each week, that’s 4.2 million extra items a year.
- Put tins, cans, aerosols, paper, card and plastic bottles in your green bin. Put glass bottles and jars in your green box.
- Don’t bag your recycling – it can be mistaken for rubbish in the sorting process.
Tell us your food waste tips
We’d love to hear how you are getting on with your new food waste recycling service and if you have any advice or top tips to help others get started.
Fill in our online form or call to give us your tips and, in return, we’ll randomly pick five people to choose a prize - including a year’s garden waste subscription, a water butt or a family swim ticket to the Aquadrome or Tadley Health and Fitness Centre - as a thank you.
Fill in our top tips form on our website or call 01256 844844
You clip, we’ll collect
Join over 17,000 households in the borough by signing up for fortnightly garden waste bin collections from £2.33 per collection*. Get up to 25 collections a year.
- Convenient
- Cost-effective
- Carbon-friendly
Visit our garden waste webpage or call 01256 844844
*Excludes the one-off cost of a bin. Discounts for eligible residents are available.
Bank holiday bin collections
Whether it’s rubbish, recycling, food waste or garden waste, there will be no changes to bin collections during the spring and summer bank holidays.
Please put your bins out as normal if you are due a collection on:
- Friday 3 April
- Monday 6 April
- Monday 4 May
- Monday 25 May
- Monday 31 August
Your Mayor
Content published 10 February 2026
Boost for local charities
In his role as the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Cllr Colin Phillimore has represented the borough, chaired Council meetings, led ceremonies to mark significant events and met the borough’s community, including volunteers, groups, schools and businesses.
He has also spent his year raising funds for, and increasing awareness of, two local charities that are close to his heart.
Each year, the Mayor selects local good causes to support and raise money for. This year, Cllr Phillimore chose St Michael’s Hospice, a charity dedicated to supporting anyone in north Hampshire who has a life-limiting illness, is facing the end-of-life, or experiencing bereavement. St Michael’s Hospice cared for Cllr Phillimore’s mother in her final weeks and needs to raise £15,000 a day to continue delivering compassionate care free of charge to people in north Hampshire.
The Mayor’s other charity is Whitchurch Community Swimming Pool, a much-loved facility that has been closed since 2019.
In between mayoral engagements, Cllr Phillimore is using his spare time to help bring Whitchurch Community Swimming Pool (pictured) back into use. He and the charity’s volunteers hope to restore it to full operation, aiming for year-round opening so it can be enjoyed by cold-water swimmers, as well as those using the heated pool in the warmer months.
Find out about the Mayor’s Charity Appeal and donate to the two charities.
“Local charities bring out the very best in our borough. They are powered by volunteers whose kindness, time and dedication make a real difference to people’s lives. While not everyone can give their time to support these excellent causes, they can help the important work of charities through a small donation or joining an event which raises money for the charity.”
Mayor Cllr Colin Phillimore
Rocking into spring
Join the Mayor for a night of rock music to raise funds for his charity appeal on Saturday 7 March at The Anvil in Basingstoke town centre.
The show will feature performances by 80s legend Paul Young’s Los Pacaminos (pictured), Jamie and The Falcons and local favourites Fortunate Ones.
Find out more information and buy tickets
Your events
Content published 10 February 2026
Town of Culture bid
We’re teaming up with our residents, community groups and the arts and culture community in a bid to be crowned the country’s first ever Town of Culture in 2028.
We have been working together with partners to showcase what makes our area unique. From flagship venues and historic hidden gems to vibrant festivals, colourful public art and a growing grassroots creative sector, there’s so much to discover.
We hope our bid will inspire fresh talent, spark new partnerships and support the next generation of creators to develop cultural experiences that reflect what residents have told us they want to see locally.
It builds on our support for new artistic work with £82,000 from our Creative Incubator Fund funding eight projects ranging from immersive theatre and circus performance to music, fashion and digital learning initiatives.
Celebrating 15 years of festival fun
This summer our award-winning Basingstoke Festival will return with a jam-packed line-up of free events for all.
Celebrating 15 years of creativity, culture and shared experiences, it will run from Friday 19 June to Sunday 5 July offering three weekends of free outdoor arts to enjoy.
Acts will include circus, dance, music, street theatre and storytelling including Pirates of the Carabina’s Pirate Taxi performance (pictured).
The festival programme aims to bring together the best of the borough’s local talent alongside national artists who have performed across the globe.
Visit the Basingstoke Festival website for the full programme
Get ready for Limitless fun
Saturday 25 July 2026
Designed for thrill-seekers, action sports lovers and anyone looking for a fun day out, this high-energy event at War Memorial Park, Basingstoke, will feature stunts, demonstrations and opportunities to have a go at activities.
Great live music at Listen up
March and September 2026
Lovers of live music can enjoy two free events on Saturday 28 March and Saturday 26 September. Some of the borough’s best local musical talent will perform across venues in Basingstoke town centre.
To find more information about other events taking place visit the Love Basingstoke website
“Our arts and culture community is at the heart of what makes our area so special. With a jam-packed programme of events throughout the year, we’re excited to showcase the incredible talent being developed right here in our borough.”
Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture Cllr Kerry Morrow
Your health and wellbeing
Content published 10 February 2026
New youth games sessions
Young people in Tadley and the surrounding areas can now benefit from free sport and games sessions taking place at The Link in Newchurch Road.
We’ve teamed up with the UK Mental Health Charity Sport in Mind to run the sessions aimed at children aged 10 to 14 to help improve their mental wellbeing. Catering for all abilities, the sessions are a great way to help build confidence and self-esteem and meet new people. They are held on Tuesdays from 4.30pm to 5.30pm. A second session is also held at Everest Community Academy in Popley on Wednesdays from 4pm to 5pm. Both sessions run in term time.
“I’m really impressed with the sessions. They’ve boosted my daughter’s confidence. She loved trying new sports and it even inspired her to join the netball club at school, which I’m so pleased about.”
Basingstoke parent feedback
Visit Sport In Mind’s website or email Sports in Mind
Help to be more active
A new Love to Move class will run every Wednesday from 15 April at 10.30am to 11.30am at The Link in Tadley. This age and dementia-friendly seated movement to music session costs £3 per session.
Email British Gymnastics Foundation to find out more.
We’re also supporting GoodGym – a charity that helps you to do good while getting fit in Basingstoke. Volunteers can walk, jog and cycle to help out their local community. If you would be interested in volunteering with GoodGym or you represent a charity or community group who would love some assistance, email Daniel Brick.
Your customer support
Content published 10 February 2026
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For large print, or other formats, contact our Communications Team or call 01256 844844
Your advertising
Content published 10 February 2026
Be seen in Basingstoke and Deane
Reach over 81,000 homes in Basingstoke and Deane with an advert in our residents’ magazine Your Place.
See our latest rate card and get in touch by emailing Communications Team or calling 01256 844844.
Your views
Content published 10 February 2026
Tell us what you think
We’d love to hear what you think of our residents’ magazine Your Place and, in return, we’ll put you in a draw for a £50 shopping voucher.
Fill in our online feedback form by Sunday 12 April 2026
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council confirms that it will only process personal data gathered from this form for purposes relating to magazine feedback and the competition only. We will keep your personal data for only as long as is necessary for us to process the survey and contact the winner.
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