THE public is being invited to comment on a new set of guidelines for development in Catisfield.

Fareham Council's planning and design brief offers residents and developers guidance on planning matters. It has been drawn together from the council's own blueprint for development, government guidelines and findings from the Catisfield Conservation Area Assessment.

The area covered by the planning brief includes the Hinton Hotel which caters for up to 100 homeless, refugees and asylum seekers.

Hostel owner Daphne Downes said: "The council has told me they would like to see the site redeveloped for housing.

"Over the last 40 years my family have been approached by developers who want to build houses.

"If I was offered a competitive price for the site I would not rule selling up. But at the moment I have no immediate plans."

Fareham Council's executive member for planning and transportation, Councillor Arthur Mandry, said: "This draft planning and design brief seeks to encourage appropriate redevelopment of this site, which has been allocated to provide new housing for many years.

"The council is keen to ensure that the redevelopment is of a high quality and respects the character of the adjacent Catis-field and Titchfield Abbey Conservation Areas. It is important that we get the views of local residents."

The public consultation will last until December 1.

Any comments should sent to the Planning Policy and Develop-ment Section at Fareham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 7PP.

Copies are available free of charge by calling 01329 236100.