We've tried to answer some of the more common questions on this page. Where appropriate, we've included links to more detailed information in our briefings pages – but, if there's anything else that you'd like to know, do please contact us.

 
   
  Question   Answer  
     
  Why do the Hampshire Downs need help from the Dever Society?   Ever since 1990, Eagle Star Properties (part of the Zurich Insurance Group) has campaigned to build a new town at Micheldever Station, on part of the company’s 10,000-acre holding between East Stratton and Sutton Scotney. The Dever Society was formed to give local people a united voice in opposing this unnecessary scheme.  
         
 
How big is the area that would be affected by Eagle Star's proposed eco-town?

About 1,250 acres.
This GoogleEarth image, kindly prepared by CPRE, shows the extent of the proposed eco-town lying between the A303 in the north and the A33 to the south-east.

  
 
 
 
What’s wrong with Eagle Star's proposals - don’t people need homes to live in?
Yes, of course they do – but there are better alternatives. Hampshire County Council and all the surrounding local authorities believe that a new town of 12,500 houses in the middle of unspoilt countryside is simply the wrong answer. A panel of independent inspectors roundly rejected Eagle Star’s proposals in August 2007, following their examination of the draft South East Plan. Nevertheless, just three months later, Eagle Star resubmitted similar proposals.
 
         
     
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Why is building in this part of the countryside not the answer?
The Dever Society believes that Eagle Star’s proposed new town would fail to meet the Government’s criteria for sustainable development. A town of this size could not support sufficient schools, shops and employment to be self-contained, leading to further pressure for additional houses. The result would be increased pollution from car travel to neighbouring towns and cities, as well as the loss of productive agricultural land. The new town, and any subsequent expansion, would further erode the rural buffer enjoyed by the people of Winchester, Basingstoke and Andover.
  
         
 
But surely, unlimited expansion of the new town wouldn’t be allowed?
No, but Eagle Star has already moved on from its original proposal for 5,000 new homes surrounded by a ‘covenanted’ area that would be protected from development. Their current plan for 12,500 new houses has already eaten into this covenanted area – and, if a town of this size were to be built, extensive further development would be inevitable. In 20 or 30 years’ time, the rural buffer between Andover, Basingstoke and Winchester might have all but disappeared.
  
 
 
 
So it’s better to let towns like Andover and Basingstoke sprawl further into the countryside?
No, not at all. Development on brownfield sites in and around existing settlements helps to promote regeneration of run-down areas, as well as protecting the countryside for everyone. What’s more, established communities already have the infrastructure to support sensibly planned expansion.
  
         
     
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Surely, there simply aren’t enough brownfield sites to go round. Isn’t some greenfield development inevitable?
New brownfield sites constantly become available as land use patterns change and older buildings reach the end of their lives. Developers in the south east are already comfortably exceeding the Government’s target to build 60% of new homes on recycled land. Nevertheless, we do accept that some greenfield development is probably inevitable. The Dever Society supports new developments that harmonise with their surroundings and blend in with existing communities.
  
         
 
Why aren’t you fighting other greenfield developments in Hampshire?
Micheldever is currently the only planned new town, but we also oppose major development north of Winchester. Nevertheless, we are not against all greenfield site development, and acknowledge our duty to consider all sites and proposed development on their individual merits.
  
 
 
 
Why should I care about this new town proposal? I may not be around to see it.
Maybe not – but your children might be! We all have a duty to pass on a high-quality environment for future generations to enjoy.
  
         
     
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Does the Dever Society have a wider role to conserve the Hampshire Downs?
Yes. We promote understanding and awareness of rural issues, and encourage all our supporters to look after their local countryside. We also support conservation initiatives such as the RSPB’s stone curlew project.
  
         
 
Will the Dever Society continue its work if a new town is built at Micheldever Station?

Yes, our work will go on. If Eagle Star’s proposals go ahead, we would step up our efforts to protect the remaining local countryside, which has seen no major new settlement since the Roman invasion.

  
         
  ... and if it isn't?   If the threat of a major new town is lifted, we'll continue to conserve, protect and celebrate the Hampshire Downs and the Dever valley. We already have the support of almost 7,000 people – if you care about Hampshire and its countryside, do please join them! Ordinary membership of the Society remains free.  
         
     
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  What else can you tell me?   There's lots more detailed information in our briefings pages, or you can contact us with particular concerns.  
         
 
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© The Dever Society | Registered charity no: 1003093 | Updated 5/02/08