Eastleigh Borough Council has approved plans to form a larger decision-making body by merging Eastleigh Town Council and Boyatt Wood Parish Council. The move follows a public consultation on the Community Governance Review (CGR), the results of which were presented to the Council’s Administration Committee earlier this week.

A second round of consultation will now take place to determine the number of councillors, electoral boundaries, and the composition of local wards. Elections for the new council will be held in 2026.

Residents in Allbrook, located north of Boyatt Wood, were also consulted. However, the majority strongly opposed being included in the merger, and their views will be respected.

Over 600 residents responded to the initial consultation through online and door-to-door surveys across all three affected areas.

With future local government reorganisation (LGR) expected to create larger unitary authorities in Hampshire, the proposed merger is seen as a way to:

• Ensure local decision-making remains close to communities

• Strengthen the council’s ability to manage devolved responsibilities from the new unitary authority

• Provide a stronger voice on planning, infrastructure, and community investment

• Improve consistency and financial efficiency in service delivery

Councillor Keith House, Leader of Eastleigh Borough Council, said: Thanks to everyone who took part in the consultation. At Eastleigh, we believe in real local accountability. As unitary authorities grow larger, it’s vital that communities like Eastleigh and Boyatt Wood have strong local councils that can advocate for residents and manage local services effectively.

📣 Residents are now invited to take part in the next stage of consultation on how the merged council will be structured.
👉 Have your say: Survey