King’s Pond Project
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Project Update – July 2026
The project is in Stage One. We continue to investigate two options for the future of Kings Pond.
The layout plan being used for the Pond & River option, is 3c and can be seen here.
The layout plan for the Dredging option, is 2a and can be seen here.
The Briefing Document for the project can be read here.
Stage One Preliminary Design & Costing
On 6th May 2026, Council resolved to appoint Five Rivers Environmental Contracting Ltd (five-rivers.com) to carry out the Stage One design and costing up to readiness for informed public consultation. They are progressing these works for completion in early September.
Programme
An updated Outline Programme is available here – JULY 2026
Stage One design and costing is to be completed in readiness for public consultation to start at the end of October
Following a decision on which option to adopt, significant time will be needed to complete final designs, to obtain approvals and permissions, to raise funds and to appoint contractors. Considering also the seasonal timing, any works on site are unlikely to commence before late 2027.
Ecology
Ecology Partnership has completed all the reports of the surveys undertaken during 2025. These are all available under the Ecology Reports tab below. Currently, an invertebrate survey of the pond is under way – completion due in late summer.
Ecology Partnership will carry out Preliminary Ecological Impact Assessments of the completed Five Rivers designs for inclusion in the Consultation.
Task & Finish Group
The Task & Finish Group is made up of councillors and local residents with relevant skills and interests. The group carries out investigations and develops and implements action plans to progress the project. Minutes of the Task & Finish Group meetings, once approved, can be found under the tab below.
The last meeting was held on 23rd June 2026.
The next meeting is on 13th July 2026.
Community & Stakeholder Group
The last meeting was held on 14th April. The draft minutes can be found by clicking here or under Community & Stakeholder Focus Group: Minutes and Presentation tab below. The the next meeting is Wednesday 15th July.
Primarily this group is for sharing information on King’s Pond. The Task & Finish Group reports on progress for discussion. This group also acts as conduit for community feedback to the Task & Finish Group.
If you would like to join the Community & Stakeholder Focus Group as a representative of a residents association, community group or any other local club or organisation please email Natalie Beckell
KING’S POND UPDATE MAY 2026
Project Update – May 2026
The project is in Stage One. We continue to investigate two options for future of Kings Pond.
The layout plan being used for the Pond & River option, is 3c and can be seen here.
The layout plan for the Dredging option, is 2a and can be seen here.
The Briefing Document for the project can be read here.
Stage One Preliminary Design & Costing
Following completion of the tender and selection process, the Task & Finish Group made its recommendations to Full Council on 6th May 2026. Council resolved to appoint Five Rivers Environmental Contracting Ltd (five-rivers.com) to carry out the Stage One design and costing up to readiness for informed public consultation.
Programme
An updated Outline Programme is available here
Stage One design and costing is to be completed in readiness for public consultation in September.
Following a decision on which option to adopt, significant time will be needed to complete final designs, to obtain approvals and permissions, to raise funds and to appoint contractors. Considering also the seasonal timing, any works on site are unlikely to commence before late 2027.
Ecology
Ecology Partnership has completed all the reports of the surveys undertaken during 2025. These are all available under the Ecology Reports tab below. There are some identified gaps in our knowledge, particularly to do with water quality and life in the pond. Further surveys and tests will be commissioned in the early summer of 2026 to complete the ecological picture.
Task & Finish Group
The Task & Finish Group is made up of councillors and local residents with relevant skills and interests. The group carries out investigations and develops and implements action plans to progress the project. Minutes of the Task & Finish Group meetings, once approved, can be found under the tab below.
The last meeting was held on 27th April 2026
The next meeting is on 1st June 2026.
Community & Stakeholder Group
The last meeting was held on 14th April. The draft minutes can be found by clicking here or under Community & Stakeholder Focus Group: Minutes and Presentation tab below. The date of the next meeting is on Wednesday 15th July.
Primarily this group is for sharing information on King’s Pond. The Task & Finish Group reports on progress for discussion. This group also acts as conduit for community feedback to the Task & Finish Group.
If you would like to join the Community & Stakeholder Focus Group as a representative of a residents association, community group or any other local club or organisation please email Natalie Beckell
KING’S POND UPDATE APRIL 2026
The project is in Stage One. We continue to investigate two options for future of Kings Pond.
The layout plan being used for the Pond & River option, is 3c and can be seen here.
The layout plan for the Dredging option, is 2a and can be seen here.
The Briefing Document for the project can be read here.
Stage One Preliminary Design & Costing
The preliminary design and costing for comparison of the two options is out to tender. Tenders received will be evaluated and presented to Full Council for decision on 6th May 2026.
Programme
Time is needed to complete Stage One, including public consultation, to obtain approvals and permissions, to complete final designs and to raise funds and to appoint contractors. Considering also the seasonal timing, any works on site are unlikely to commence before late 2027. An updated Outline Programme is available here.
Ecology
Ecology Partnership has completed all the reports of the surveys undertaken during 2025. These are all available under the Ecology Reports tab below. There are some identified gaps in our knowledge, particularly to do with water quality and life in the pond. Further surveys and tests will be commissioned in the early summer of 2026 to complete the ecological picture.
Community & Stakeholder Group
The last meeting was held on 11th November 2025. The draft minutes can be found by clicking here or under Community & Stakeholder Focus Group: Minutes and Presentation tab below. The next meeting will be held on 14th April 2026 at 6.30pm in the Town Hall. The agenda for the meeting can be seen by clicking here.
Primarily this group is for sharing information on the King’s Pond. The Task & Finish Group reports on progress for discussion. This group also acts as conduit for community feedback to the Task & Finish Group.
If you would like to join the Community & Stakeholder Focus Group as a representative of a residents association, community group or any other local club or organisation please email Natalie Beckell
Task & Finish Group
The Task & Finish Group is made up of councillors and local residents with relevant skills and interests. The group carries out investigations and develops and implements action plans to progress the project. Minutes of the Task & Finish Group meetings, once approved, can be found under the tab below.
The last meeting was held on 23rd March 2026.
The next meeting is on 27th April 2026.
KING’S POND UPDATE FEBRUARY 2026
The project is in Stage One.
At the Full Council Meeting held on 10th December Alton Town Council resolved to continue with Stage One on the basis of a revised Pond and River layout as one option and Dredging as the other.
The layout plan now being used for the Pond & River option, is 3c and can be seen here.
The layout plan for the Dredging option, is 2a and can be seen here.
The Briefing Document for the project has been updated to include this change. This can be read here.
At the Full Council Meeting on 4th February 2026 the council noted the results of the Parish Poll and made no change to the current strategy for Kings Pond,
The council resolved to:
- Approve revised Terms of Reference for the Task & Finish Group
- Appoint Cathy Ayres, Angie Owens, Paul Ebbutt, Ryan Doran, Eric Phillips and Tim Pinchen to the Task & Finish Group
- Appoint Cllrs Botten, Hammond and Quincey to the Task & Finish Group
- Appoint Cllr Don Hammond as Chair of the Task & Finish Group.
The Task & Finish Group has been gathering information and identifying suitable consultants for the Stage One work. Tender documents will soon be issued to these consultants to obtain their fee proposals. The Task & Finish Group will select a consultant and make a recommendation to ATC. Once appointed by ATC, the selected consultant will carry out the Stage One work.
Programme
The delay to the tender process has delayed the project. Taking in to account the time that may be needed to obtain approvals and permissions and to raise funds and also the seasonal timing, any works on site are unlikely to commence before late 2027. An updated Outline Programme is available below.
Ecology
Ecology Partnership has completed all the reports of the surveys undertaken over the past year. These are all available under the Ecology Reports tab below.
Community & Stakeholder Group
The last meeting was held on 11th November 2025. The draft minutes can be found by clicking here or under Community & Stakeholder Focus Group: Minutes and Presentation tab below. The next meeting will be held on 14th April 2026 at 6.30pm in the Town Hall.
Task & Finish Group
Minutes of the Task & Finish Group meetings, once approved, can be found under the presentation tab below.
The last meeting was held on 9th February.
The next meetings are on 23rd March and 27th April 2026.
KING’S POND UPDATE JANUARY 2026
The project is in Stage One
Stage One Design Tender
At the Full Council Meeting on Wednesday 10th December , Alton Town Council resolved to continue with Stage One on the basis of the Pond and River as layout plan 3c as one option and Dredging as the other.
The layout plan now being used for the Pond & River option, 3c, can be seen here.
The Briefing Document for the project has been updated to include this change. This can be read here.
Programme
The delay to the tender process has delayed the project. Taking in to account the time that may be needed to obtain approvals and permissions and to raise funds and also the seasonal timing, any works on site are unlikely to commence before late 2027.
Ecology
Ecology Partnership has now completed all the reports of the surveys undertaken over the past year. These are all available under the Ecology Reports tab below.
Community & Stakeholder Group
A meeting was held on 11th November. The draft minutes can be found by clicking here or under Community & Stakeholder Focus Group: Minutes and Presentation tab below.
Task & Finish Group
Minutes of the Task & Finish Group meetings, once approved, can be found under the presentation tab below.
The last meeting was on 15 December.
The next meetings are on 19 January and 9 February 2026.
KING’S POND UPDATE DECEMBER 2025
The project is in Stage One
Stage One Design Tender
The conclusion of the Stage One design tender was delayed by investigation of land ownerships and responsibilities at the outflow of the pond.
The tender had been based on dredging, plus improvements, and on a River & Pond option that included engineering works to lower the outflow level..
This particular River & Pond option is not possible within the land that is owned by Alton Town Council. Restricting works to Alton Town Council property means that a different River & Pond option would have to be used.
The original plan, 4a, can be seen here.
The plan now proposed, 3c, can be seen here.
Alton Town Council must decide if it wishes to continue with Stage One on the basis of plan 3c. This is on the Agenda of the Full Council Meeting on Wednesday 10th December.
If Alton Town Council resolves to continue, the Stage One design tender enquiry will be reissued using plan 3c.
Programme
The delay to the tender process has delayed the project. Taking in to account the time that may be needed to obtain approvals and permissions and to raise funds and also the seasonal timing, any works on site are unlikely to commence before late 2027.
Environment Agency
A preliminary meeting has been held with the Environment Agency. A significant outcome is that, while the Environment Agency have a preference for the River & Pond option, they stressed that this is a decision for Alton Town Council and they will not object to dredging.
Ecology
Ecology Partnership has now completed all the reports of the surveys undertaken over the past year. These are all available under the Ecology Reports tab below.
Community & Stakeholder Group
A meeting was held on 11th November. The draft minutes can be found by clicking here or under Community & Stakeholder Focus Group: Minutes and Presentation tab below.
E-Newsletter
December E-Newsletter. To receive updates straight to your email please register here or email
KING’S POND UPDATE NOVEMBER 2025
The next Community and Stakeholder Meeting will be on Tuesday 11th November from 6:15pm at:
ALTON COMMUNITY CENTRE, AMERY STREET, ALTON , GU34 1HN. The public are welcome to attend.
COMMUNITY AND STAKEHOLDER MEETING 11TH NOVEMBER 2025 – AGENDA
7TH NOVEMBER E-NEWSLETTER
KING’S POND UPDATE OCTOBER 2025
OCTOBER 2025
The project is at Stage One.
The appraisal of Stage One tenders is not yet complete.
No recommendation to appoint a designer has yet been made to Full Council.
Community Engagement
The King’s Pond Community & Stakeholder Group (KPC&SG) met on 2nd September which was attended by Town Councillors, representatives of local organisations and 26 residents. The draft minutes are available on the Alton Town Council King’s Pond Project page.
The next meeting will be Tuesday 11th November from 6:00pm at The Alton Assembly Rooms. The public are welcome to attend.
Flood Risk
There was a lot of discussion of flood risk at the KPC&SG meeting on the 2nd September. The current flood risk around the pond and downstream was explained in the Weir Removal Study which was completed in February 2024.
For ease we have extracted the relevant section which you can download below. The full report is on the Alton Town Council King’s Pond Project page under Management Plans, Reports And Survey Results. Some residents referred to the assessment of flood risk in the Tanhouse Lane area undertaken by Jacobs on behalf of SE Water. This is not directly comparable with the King’s Pond situation but notes of the last meeting with South East Water, in February 2025, are available here. We have asked for all the information presented to be published but this has not yet been issued to us. Flood risk assessment of the River & Pond option is part of Stage One of the Project and will be done when design is sufficiently advanced.
Extract From Weir Removal Study – Flood Risk PDF
Ecology & Environmental
Our ecologists, Ecology Partnership, prepared draft guidance notes to be given to the Stage One design contractor when they are appointed. These provide some “dos and don’ts” to be considered in the site design from an ecological point of view. The draft has been reviewed by a group of ecologists, both professional and amateur, suggested by Alton Natural History Society. When issued, the final guidance notes will be available on the Alton Town Council King’s Pond Project page. The remainder of the reports on the ecological surveys carried out by Ecology Partnership are still to be issued. Dr June Chatfield, who has observed the pond for several decades, has provided some interesting individual reports, these are available on the Alton Town Council King’s Pond Project page under the Ecology tab.
KING’S POND UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2025
1st September 2025
The Community and Stakeholder Focus Group will meet at 6:00pm on Tuesday 2nd September at the Assembly Rooms. The agenda is here.
Three tenders were received for the Stage One design works. The final stage of evaluation of the tenders is a presentation and question session with each of the contractors. Although a diary date in August had been set for this, the holiday season meant that this proved impracticable. A new date is to be agreed.
Consequently, a recommendation for appointment will not be made to Full Council on 3rd September as previously planned.
KING’S POND UPDATE AUGUST 2025
5th August 2025
The Project is in Stage One
The tender for The Stage One design and costing work was publicly advertised in mid-July 2025. The Bid Deadline is Friday 15th August 2025.
The Task & Finish Group intend to evaluate the tenders received by the end of August 2025 and to make recommendations for the appointment of a design contractor to Full Council at the meeting on Wednesday 3rd September 2025.
The tender enquiry document can be seen here: Invitation to Tender Stage One
Ecological surveys continue. Alton Town Council has instructed some additional bat survey work to identify roost sites so that these can be protected throughout the project. Reptile and Amphibian surveys have also been instructed.
The Community & Stakeholder Focus Group held its first meeting on Wednesday 2nd July 2025.
Minutes are available under Community & Stakeholder Focus Group: Minutes and Presentation tab below.
The next Community and Stakeholder Focus Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 2nd September 2025. Residents are welcome to attend.
20th August 2025
Details about the next Community & Stakeholder Meeting.
https://mailchi.mp/alton/kingspond-10342014
KING’S POND UPDATE JULY 2025
The project is in Stage 1
The Task & Finish Group is researching consultants for the design works and gathering information on drainage associated with the pond and the River Wey.
As June is considered the end of the bird breeding season, the ecology surveys are nearing completion. The exception is the Bat Survey for which the survey period extends to October.
The Community & Stakeholder Focus Group has its first meeting on 2nd July.
STAGES OF THE PROJECT
Stage One – To public consultation and decision
- Pre-application consultation on both options with the planning authority and the Environment Agency.
- Engineering and landscape design and specification of both options to sufficient detail for costing and for presentation to residents.
- Ecological strategies for both options to create/improve habitats and improve biodiversity to sufficient detail for costing and presentation to residents
- Flood Risk Assessment for the River & Pond option only
- Public consultation & selection of the preferred option.
Stage Two – Design, Approvals, Appointment of a contractor
- Applications for approvals and permits for the selected option.
- Landscape and engineering design and specifications progressed to construction detail
- Preparation of Tender Documents
- Tendering and selection of a contractor.
- Sourcing funds
Stage Three – Works on site
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the King’s Pond Project?
The King’s Pond project is an initiative led by Alton Town Council to explore how best to protect, enhance and manage King’s Pond and its site for the future. It aims to balance environmental sustainability, biodiversity and community use.
Why is the project happening now?
King’s Pond is silting up and is very shallow in places. If we do nothing it will fill with silt, mud and encroaching vegetation. The pond was last dredged in 1996.
What are the main options being considered?
Option 1: Dredging plus bank restoration and biodiversity improvements.
Option 2: Reinstating the River Wey through the site alongside a smaller restored pond with varied habitats and improved biodiversity.
Why consider alternative options?
Silting is a continuous process. Although some work can be done upstream to reduce the amount of silt, eventually the pond would need dredging again. Also, the pond has a negative impact on the River Wey. Downstream water quality is affected; the outlet weir and dam block the normal life and functions of the river.
What are the next steps?
Completing ecological surveys and information gathering.
Appointing consultants to produce preliminary designs and costings for both options.
Public consultations before any final decisions are made.
How much will these options cost?
Both options would incur significant costs. These will be estimated as part of Stage One of the project and the costs will be considered before a decision is taken.
Has a decision already been made?
No. The project is at the information gathering and design stage. No final decision will be made until a proper comparison of the two options has been completed and there has been further public consultation. The project will be subject to approvals from East Hampshire District Council and the Environment Agency.
How will the environment and wildlife be protected?
Protecting biodiversity is a priority. Independent ecological assessments will guide decision-making and biodiversity will be a key consideration in the design of both options. Ecological risks and benefits will be assessed by specialists. Local environmental and natural history groups will be involved throughout the process.
How can I have my say?
You can take part in upcoming consultations, attend community events, or complete online feedback forms. Visit alton.gov.uk/kings-pond-project for all engagement opportunities and updates.
Where can I learn about King’s Pond and get updates?
On the Alton Town Council website: alton.gov.uk/kings-pond-project
You can sign up to receive e-mailed updates email to register
Follow us on Facebook: @altontowncouncil and Instagram: @altontowncouncil
Posters, newsletters and press releases
Updated – 1 September 2025
Project Governance
King’s Pond Project Governance – January 2025
Purpose and explanatory note:
• The purpose of this document is to set out and describe the oversight and governance of the King’s Pond Project.
• Subgroups can report to and feed into the respective strands on the project through appropriate membership and agreed communication and information sharing.
• Terms of reference will be agreed for the Operational and Community Strands.
• Corporate project management protocols (e.g. project budget, delivery programme) for sub-projects within the overall programme remain for the agreed partner organisation project leads to manage within their respective organisations.
STRATEGIC OVERSIGHT: FULL COUNCIL
Membership: Town Councillors, Alton Town Clerk
Chair: Town Mayor
- Emphasis on giving strategic direction to Task & Finish Group and on resolving blockages as needed to enable the Task & Finish Group to advance their work.
- Meets monthly.
- Co-ordination with priorities in other policy areas.
- Steering and influencing, recommendations to decision-makers.
- Agrees the action plans arising from the Task & Finish Group and receives reports on progress and project deliveries.
- Agrees the King’s Pond communication plan.
- Links to external partners via this strand.
OPERATIONAL: TASK & FINISH GROUP
Membership: Town Councillors, Town Council Officers, District Council Officers (Planning / Ecology Teams), Environment Agency Officers as well as individual residents and representatives of technical organisations, subject to ratification by Full Council. Membership may flex depending on the stage of the project.
Chair: A Town Councillor appointed by Full Council
- Emphasis on preparing and implementing action plans. Also ensuring co-ordination and facilitation of work as and where needed across partner organisations and timely delivery.
- Meets monthly or more frequently as required.
- Work plan priorities shaped by the King’s Pond action plan, report back on progress to Full Council.
- Carry out work by developing projects, seeking funding, tenders and contract monitoring.
- Form a communications plan and communication protocol for information dissemination and public engagement.
- Informed by Stakeholder Group. There may be sub-groups that report into the Task & Finish Group.
- Review the group on a quarterly basis.
COMMUNITY: COMMUNITY & STAKEHOLDER FOCUS GROUP
Membership: Town Council Officers, Town Councillors, individual residents, pond users and representatives of local organisations such as ACAN, Alton Society, Residents Associations, Community Groups, Watercress Line, Schools, Voluntary Groups. Surrey Wildlife Trust, etc. Potential for core group plus other members drawn in as required at specific stages of the project.
Chair: Elected by the membership
- Primarily the group is a disseminator and sharer of information on the King’s Pond Management Project and a conduit for community feedback to the Task & Finish Group.
- Meets every two months.
- Potential for members to assist with preparing funding bids and could also have a consultee and consulting role in specific areas.
- Potential for the group to undertake some research and to be involved in wider public engagement.
- Membership of the group may change according to the stage of the project.
- Review the group on six-monthly basis.
Management Plans, Reports And Survey Results
Kings Pond Information from Archives
NRA Drawing of Weir & Sluice Chamber Construction
Silt Analysis – November 2023
Biodiversity Net Gain Report – December 2023
Weir Removal Feasibility Study – February 2024
Water Environment layout for Dredging Option 2a
Water Environment River & Pond Option 3c
Water Environment River & Pond Option 4a
Weir Removal Feasibility Study Extract – Flood Risk
Briefing Paper: King’s Pond – The Next Steps in Deciding the Way Forward Updated February 2026
SURVEY DRAWINGS
RS – Topographic Survey – November 2023
RS – Sections Drawings – November 2023
RS – Downstream Chambers Topographic Survey – September 2024
RS – Downstream Chambers Sections Drawing September – 2024
MANAGEMENT PLANS
King’s Pond Management Plan 2017
King’s Pond DRAFT Management Plan 2022
SOUTH EAST WATER
SE Water Sample Points – PDF
SE Water Kings Pond Data Request – EXCEL
South East Water
SE Water Sample Points – PDF
SE Water Kings Pond Data Request – EXCEL
King’s Pond: Briefing Sessions
King’s Pond Update: Online Presentation
If you were unable to attend any of the three briefing sessions held in November and December the below video presentation is the original slideshow, with voiceover, of the briefing presentation. The presentation is an update on the work Alton Town Council has undertaken since the meeting at The Maltings in January 2023 and the next steps.
Task & Finish Group: Terms of Reference
Task & Finish Group: Minutes
Approved Minutes 2026
Approved Minutes – Monday 23rd June 2026
Approved Minutes – Monday 1st June 2026
Approved Minutes – Monday 27th April 2026
Approved Minutes – Monday 23rd March 2026
Approved Minutes – Monday 9th February 2026
Approved Minutes – Monday 19th January 2026
APPROVED MINUTES 2025
Approved Minutes – Monday 15th December 2025
Approved Minutes – Thursday 20th November 2025
Approved Minutes – Thursday 23rd October 2025
Approved Minutes – Thursday 25th September 2025
Approved Minutes – Thursday 22nd August 2025
Approved Minutes – Thursday 31st July 2025
Approved Minutes – Thursday 19th June 2025
Approved Minutes – Thursday 22nd May 2025
Approved Minutes – Thursday 28th April 2025
Approved Minutes – Tuesday 25th March 2025
Community & Stakeholder Focus Group: Minutes and Presentation
AGENDA
Tuesday 14th April 2026
DRAFT MINUTES
Tuesday 14th April 2026
APPROVED MINUTES
Tuesday 11th November 2025
Wednesday 2nd September 2025
Thursday 2nd July 2025 & PRESENTATION
PRESENTATIONS
Tuesday 11th November 2025
Thursday 2nd July 2025
Outline Programme
Ecology Reports
DR JUNE CHATFIELD
Algal Problems at King’s Pond
Canada Geese from London to Alton
King’s Pond Aquatic System
Waterfowl Food Sources at King’s Pond
Pond Dipping at King’s Pond August 2025
ECOLOGY PARTNERSHIP
Initial Ecological Design Notes – November 2025
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal – November 2025
Bat Activity and Emergence Surveys – November 2025
Breeding Bird Survey – November 2025
Reptile Presence/Likely Absence Survey – November 2025
Great Crested Newt eDNA Survey – May 2025
Wintering Bird Survey – April 2025
Press Releases
Latest Press Release
Press release – 12th August 2025
Previous Press Releases
Press release – 16th May 2025
Press release – 23rd January 2025
Press release – 10th December 2024
Press release – 18th November 2024
Press release – 24th October 2024
Press release – 25th January 2024
Press release – 18th December 2023
Press release – 10th July 2023
E-Newsletters
Latest Newsletter
7TH NOVEMBER E-NEWSLETTER
Previous Newsletters
8th October 2025
20th August 2025
12th August 2025
16th July 2025
16th May 2025
24th January 2025
Archived The Way Forward Briefing Document
The Parish Poll – January 2026
PARISH POLL – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
8 December 2025
What is a Parish Meeting?
It is not a Town Council meeting. It is a meeting of electors that, under specific conditions set out in the Local Government Act 1972, can be called by six electors on an issue that is within the power of a local council. The meeting is open to the public, but only those on the Electoral Register are allowed to vote on any of the issues that will be discussed. If the Mayor is present, she must chair the meeting. If she is absent, the Deputy Mayor chairs. If both are absent, the meeting elects a Chair. The Chair has an extra (casting) vote in case of deadlock.
How will you make sure that only Electors are able to vote in the Parish Meeting?
We will check everyone against the Electoral Register when they arrive and give them a voting card. If you are not on the Register, you may attend but you will not get a voting card. This will probably delay the start of the meeting a little and we urge everyone to be patient. The meeting will not start if people are still queuing to get in.
Where and when is the meeting?
Monday, 15th December 2025, 6pm, Alton Community Centre. We hope it will finish by 8pm.
What is a Parish Poll?
This is a vote that is like a referendum, in which a question can be put to all those in a parish who are in the Electoral Register. The question must be answerable by either Yes or No. It is put to the meeting first. Regardless of the majority answer in the meeting (Yes or No), it may then be put to the wider public in a Parish Poll if enough electors present demand it (see below). The Poll then has to take place within 25 working days and is run by East Hampshire District Council: so, by Thursday, 22 January 2026. Polling stations on polling day are open from 4pm to 9pm. There are no poll cards and no postal, proxy or electronic voting. The result of the Parish Poll has to be considered by the council; it is not binding. A Parish Poll must cover the whole of the parish; it cannot only cover a part of it. Alton and Holybourne contain around 15,500 electors.
What will the question be?
In the Parish Meeting, a question can be suggested by a Proposer (who must be an elector). The question must be able to be acted on by the council and be answered by either Yes or No. If it is supported by a Seconder, it can be debated. Amendments can be proposed by another elector. The process for debate and amendments is the usual process set out in the town council’s Standing Orders, including, if necessary, a vote on whether to accept an amendment to the question. When the debate has ended, the question (or amended question) is put to the meeting for electors present to vote either Yes or No. After the vote, and regardless of the result, 10 electors (or a third of electors present if the meeting has less than 30 electors attending), can demand that a Parish Poll is conducted across the parish using exactly the same question. A Poll can include more than one question, as long as electors in the meeting have had the opportunity to vote on them first.
Who is the Proposer of a question?
The Proposer is the person who first puts the question to the meeting, even if the question is later amended. In law, the Proposer’s name and address must be declared, and they must be an elector. In the Poll, the Proposer has the right to visit polling stations and attend the count. No-one else has that right unless appointed by EHDC’s Returning Officer.
How much does a Parish Poll cost and who pays?
The poll is paid for by the Town Council from its income from local council taxpayers and is expected to cost around £10,000 in Alton. East Hampshire District Council runs the poll and charges Alton Town Council.
The Parish Poll on King’s Pond took place on 21 January. The poll was demanded and the questions set by local residents. East Hampshire District Council ran the poll. Alton Town Council has not taken a view on the poll and will consider the results at its 4 February meeting.
The six questions and the answers were:
1. Do you believe that Alton Town Council is listening to residents concerning King’s Pond? Yes:459 (44.6%) / No:544 (52.86%) / No vote: 26 (2.54%)
2. Do you trust Alton Town Council to spend council taxpayers’ money wisely? Yes:466 (45.29%) / No:530 (51.5%) / No vote: 33 (3.21%)
3. Should Alton residents be consulted on any further spending on King’s Pond? Yes:831 (80.75%) / No:179 (17.39%) / No vote: 19 (1.86%)
4. Do you want to remove Don Hammond from any further King’s Pond focus groups? Yes:417 (40.52%) / No:513 (49.85%) / No vote: 99 (9.63%)
5. Do you want Alton Town Council to recommence Stage 1 so that the people can take an informed decision? Yes:497 (48.3%) / No:476 (46.25%) / No vote: 56 (5.45%)
6. Should Alton Town Council stop investigating alternatives and instead proceed only with making plans and finding costs for the dredging of King’s Pond at its current size and adding improvements such as silt traps? Yes:602 (58.5%) / No:412 (40.04%) / No vote: 15 (1.46%)
Turnout was 1,029 out of 14,837 electors (6.9%).
EHDC ANNOUNCES 21 JANUARY FOR PARISH POLL
East Hampshire District Council announced, on Monday 12 January, that the Alton parish poll on King’s Pond will take place in polling stations on 21 January 2026 between 4pm and 9pm.
The parish poll was called by local residents at a “parish meeting” on 15 December under the Local Government Act 1972. The parish meeting was not a council meeting, and the poll was not requested by Alton Town Council. East Hampshire District Council’s “Returning Officer” has to run the poll. Alton Town Council must pay their expenses and consider the results afterwards. In law, the poll is not binding.
The Returning Officer decided that two questions may not lawfully be part of the poll, having taken legal advice. On, “Should Alton Town Council tamper with water levels jeopardising tree health and wellbeing?”, the Returning Officer said: “it is devoid of practical meaning if the Town Council has no power regarding water levels.” On, “Should Alton Town Council commit to following and implementing the results of any parish poll?”, he said: “it is not clear how a parish poll is defined and in addition it is unclear how the Alton Town Council could commit to follow the results of a poll if they do not know what the questions asked yet are (for some hypothetical future poll). The question is therefore devoid of practical application.”
The Returning Officer was not required to consult Alton Town Council and he has not done so. Alton Town Council has taken no view on the poll or on the questions or on the Returning Officer’s decision.
Therefore, the poll will consist of the following six questions:
1. Do you believe that Alton Town Council is listening to residents concerning King’s Pond?
2. Do you trust Alton Town Council to spend council taxpayers’ money wisely?
3. Should Alton residents be consulted on any further spending on King’s Pond?
4. Do you want to remove Don Hammond from any further King’s Pond focus groups?
5. Do you want Alton Town Council to recommence Stage 1 so that the people can take an informed decision?
6. Should Alton Town Council stop investigating alternatives and instead proceed only with making plans and finding costs for the dredging of King’s Pond at its current size and adding improvements such as silt traps?
EHDC information on the poll: https://www.easthants.gov.uk/elections
ATC information on the King’s Pond project on this page.
Parish Meeting
Six local residents convened a public meeting on 15 December on King’s Pond, under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1972.
Draft minutes of the parish meeting: https://www.alton.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20251215-Parish-Meeting-MINUTES-draft.pdf