EASTLEIGH civic chiefs are being asked to support the preparation of a special

planning blueprint aimed at preserving the character of parts of leafy Chandler's Ford and Hiltingbury.

With developers continuing to identify opportunities to maximise the use of land, local councillors have responded to the pressure by calling for a supplementary planning document that would safeguard the distinctive qualities of the area.

Now a draft has been produced to cover 12 "character areas" covering just over 25 per cent of Chandler's Ford and Hiltingbury in a bid to ensure any special character is protected through imaginative design and build principles.

On Thursday the borough council's powerful executive committee will be asked to support the idea of the blueprint so that it can go out for wide public consultation before being formally adopted.

Executive councillors will be told that the planning guidance is not intended to restrict development but manage it in such a way that the council encourages developers to "consider and mirror the existing environment" in the design and build of new structures.

Special planning policy areas already cover the special needs of Hiltingbury's Lakewood Road, Hocombe Road and Winchester Road areas and the Bournemouth Road corridor.

But the new planning document has added another ten areas covering Hocombe Park Close, Hiltingbury Road West, Kingsway, Millers Dale, Linden Grove, Winchester Road South, Scantabout Avenue and Peverells Wood, Velmore Road/Castle Lane, Northdene Road/Southdene Road plus Weardale Road and Trevose Crescent.

In a report to the executive from local area co-ordinator Andy Milner and planning policy chief Cliff Bowden, councillors will be told: "It cannot be overstated how sensitive such a document could be."

But the report adds that the publication of a design statement is considered to be important.

"It will establish the framework within which decisions on planning applications can be taken and provide guidance to developers and applicants on the issues that the council will require to be addressed."

The officers also say it is hoped the document will reduce the likelihood of appeals against planning decisions.

If approved by the executive, the draft will be sent to statutory bodies and residents' associations for their comments.

It is also planned to mount half-day static presentations of the plan in the Dovetail Centre and St Boniface Church so that local residents get the chance to consider the issues involved.