Because it claims Winchester planners are ignoring its views, New Alresford Town Council is spending £10,000 on its own plan.

The plan will have no authority over district council decisions, but will be considered by city planners.

George Hollingbery, a district and town councillor for Alresford, wants the city council to divide its planning committee into three regional groups.

"When I was chairman of the town council, I felt the one thing that Alresford needed the most was its own town plan. It's great that we're making progress."

Town council member, John Hankin, voiced his concerns on planning at the general and policy committee of the town council.

"Alresford is not a dormitory town to Winchester and over my dead body will it become a dormitory town to Winchester."

The town council has already started on the plan, which is being developed in partnership with the Alresford Society and the Civic Trust, which is conducting a study of the town. The next stage will be to involve Alresford residents, starting with a planning workshop for everyone who has registered an interest in the town plan.

A provisional date has been set for January 18th. A full report on the plan is expected in March