The residents aired their views at the Overton Parish Council general meeting, where the findings of a survey were also shared.
The surveys were sent out to households across the village, having being produced using digital printing. Nearby Basingstoke is home to printing companies that often provide this kind of service, which helps local authorities to stay connected with residents.
Of the surveys sent out, 271 people responded, accounting for more than 14 per cent of people living in the village. This response rate brought with it in excess of 200 comments and suggestions for how the future of the village could look. The chairman of the Overton Future Community Plan group spoke about the consultation process, saying:
“Since we started, the Localism Bill has become law and devolves planning to the local level but interestingly assumes that the local community has a community plan.”
“This exercise is of fundamental importance to the parish and Overton’s community. We have now taken this as far as we can and now need the help of groups within the village to get together and start developing an action plan.”
The main points that came out of the consultation process were that residents had concerns that a new housing development may affect the village's character. It was also apparent that people want an upgrade to access at the local railway station.