RESIDENTS can now have their say on plans that could transform Andover town centre.

The town council has published its draft design statement that, if adopted, could help determine future planning applications in the area.

It proposes "at a more detailed level" how the "central core of the conservation area" could look in the future.

Consultants Portus and Whitton have created the document which sets out details including building materials and street furniture.

The document reads: "Like many other market towns, Andover is experiencing a fundamental shift in the way that people purchase consumer goods and services.

"The trend towards on-line shopping, which was already making significant in-roads into the viability of the traditional High Street, was accelerated in 2020 by Covid-19.

"This in turn heightened the need for traditional retail centres to evolve even more rapidly to assess their future role: which of the retail outlets are likely to remain viable, will the growth in leisure destinations prove to be sustainable and to what extent will the considerable volume of town centre buildings be able to accommodate future residential demand?

"Another outcome from the pandemic is the value of accessible public open space and associated green infrastructure.

"Every indication is that creating town centres as enjoyable and attractive destinations and making them a good place to live will create the most viable, sustainable future.

"In this regard, Andover already has many qualities to develop and this report strongly advocates that enhancing the public realm by bringing a consistently high quality to the streetscape which will, in addition, enhance the built environment and improve accessibility.

"Where development takes place within the Conservation Area, protecting the character of the historic centre by designing buildings that are sympathetic to their context and both desirable and appropriate for future residential use is in the best interests for the future of Andover."

In the detailed proposals, it suggests a "clear distinction in materials" along the High Street to "help define the distinctive layout".

It suggests natural stone flag paving, whilst there could be trees planted around the Guildhall.

It creates a "courtyard effect in front of the Star and Garter hotel and a framed setting for the Guildhall".

New public toilets are suggested at the bottom of the High Street, as well as Art plinths to add character.

Many areas will see "unwanted clutter" removed, which includes telephone boxes and "all furniture that is not inline with this report".

Additionally, the "ugly planters" will be removed, in additions to the "over sized lighting columns" and "concrete balls".

The report suggests that stalls used during market days are uniform, stating that currently allowing stallholders to bring their own gazebos can lead to a "mismatched, messy feel".

Meanwhile, Bridge Street will see various measures to "provide a visual cue of pedestrian priority", whilst the introduction of trees will "green the space".

Residents and businesses are now being invited to have their say on the proposals in the first of two six-week consultations.

After it closes on February 26, comments will help shape a revised statement that will be put to second public consultation.

You can see the draft statement, as well as the form to enter your comments, here.