A NEW planning blueprint aimed at retaining Fair Oak's "village atmosphere" has passed its first hurdle.

The document outlines what building should be allowed in a triangular area between Winchester Road, Fair Oak Road and Summerlands Road.

The main idea is to encourage redevelopment of 441-451 Fair Oak Road, which lies between the Cricketers pub and shops in Summerlands Road. The development brief calls for more intensive retail and office use, with development up to three storeys plus new flats behind.

Locations suggested for pavement upgrades or other environmental improvements include the shops in Winchester Road and the bus shelter in The Square.

Eastleigh Council's Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath local area committee approved the document. Committee chairman Philip Spearey said: "It's important from a community view that people still feel part of a village.

"We still call it a village though we accept it's a fairly big village. Whatever development does take place, it's important to retain some sort of village atmosphere," he told committee colleagues.

If approved by the council executive, the new brief will go out for public consultation, including a small exhibition in Fair Oak in February or March. The brief will be also published on the council's web site and copies will be sent to the parish council, landowners and occupiers directly affected by proposals.

Any changes prompted by public comment will then be considered by the local committee and the executive before the final version of the development brief is adopted as official planning policy.