CIVIC chiefs have backed a campaign to protect the Hampshire countryside.

The Partnership of South Hampshire, a joint committee made up of 11 councils in the south Hampshire region, agreed that a green belt must be a key part of their ongoing plans for sustainable development in the county.

Councils included, Fareham, East Hampshire, Portsmouth, Eastleigh, Gosport, Hampshire, Havant, New Forest, Southampton, Test Valley and Winchester.

The news comes after 13,500 people signed a petition in support of the green belt led by CPRE Hampshire, a charity who work to protect the Hampshire countryside.

The CPRE have suggested that the green belt could be located between Hordean and Kings Somborne

A spokesperson from the CPRE said: “The area we have suggested as a possible location for a Green Belt is land we feel meets the requirements of exceptional circumstances as stated in planning legislation as a requirement for the designation of any Green Belt.

“The sites we have suggested represent some of the most vulnerable areas of countryside in South Hampshire.

“This is only a suggested area of search, and ultimately the decision on where to position a Green Belt, if it is adopted, will fall to our Council Leaders and Decision Makers."

Dee Haas, CPRE Hampshire chair said: “We are thrilled that so many council leaders have prioritised the health and well-being of local people by choosing to bring us a step closer to a green belt in South Hampshire.

“Not only will this protect our countryside, but by establishing a green belt, the council would be able to concentrate on developing a more strategic, sustainable, forward thinking approach to planning to meet local housing need.”

The charity is now asking those in support of South Hampshire green belt to send a Christmas card to their local councillor thanking them for their support and reminding them what an important issue the green belt is to local people.

Mrs Haas continued: “We are so grateful to everyone who got behind this campaign.”