A planned village, not an old one
Much of Beech was laid out as low-cost housing from the 1890s onwards, with development accelerating after the First World War under a national programme to build new homes for returning servicemen.
Planning authority
Beech sits within East Hampshire District Council's area, close to but outside the northern boundary of the South Downs National Park.
A small church and a village hall
The village's own church on Wellhouse Road dates from 1902, and the village hall followed in 1932, both later additions to a settlement that only really took shape through planned building rather than growing up naturally.
Frequently asked questions
Is Beech an old village?+
Not in the traditional sense. Much of it was purpose-built as low-cost housing from the 1890s onwards, including a wave of development after the First World War.
Is Beech in the South Downs National Park?+
No, it sits close to the park's northern boundary but outside it, under East Hampshire District Council.
Nearby areas
Services
Useful local links
- Winchester City Council — Planning — Planning authority for New Alresford and most of the surrounding villages, with guidance on whether a project needs planning permission.
- East Hampshire District Council — Permitted Development — Planning authority for Alton, Ropley, Medstead, Four Marks and the other East Hampshire villages this site covers.
- Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council — Planning — Planning authority for Brown Candover and the wider Candovers parish.
- Planning Portal — Outbuildings — National guidance on permitted development rules for garden rooms, sheds and other outbuildings.
- South Downs National Park Authority — Boundary checker and planning authority for any property within the South Downs National Park, relevant to villages towards the eastern and southern edge of this site's coverage.