CIVIC chiefs will be debating what the future holds for the county, as the next meeting of Hampshire’s 2050 Commission takes place in a few weeks.

With a goal of “putting Hampshire firmly on the map”, the committee will explore how the area will look in three decades time.

The next meeting, to take place on December 14, will focus on ‘Environment and Quality of Place’. This, the council says, is “Hampshire’s main economic asset”.

The meeting will focus on the impact of a changing climate; different patterns of living and working; and competing demands on countryside and farmland on environmental quality, character and quality of life in Hampshire.

So far the commission, which was set up in September, has examined some of the main, inter-related elements that will have an impact on living and working in the county in the future, including: Demographic and societal changes; the economy; work, skills and lifestyle; mobile, connectivity and energy; and rural Hampshire.

Leader of the county council, Roy Perry, said: “We’ve put in place this Commission of Inquiry to learn how, collectively, we can establish a vision to put Hampshire in the best possible position for future generations.

“Our focus at (our most recent) hearing was on the economy, where we heard some truly thought provoking presentations from experts in their fields.”

The committee meeting will take place on Friday, December 14 at the county council’s offices in Winchester.

As part of the study, commission members have heard from Nick Coote, Head of Thames Valley at Lambert Smith Hampton; Don Spalinger, the director research and innovation services at Southampton University and David Fletcher, assistant director (economic development) at Hampshire County Council.

Cllr Perry added: “There are certainly some challenges ahead, but I think what’s come through loud and clear today is that we have a strong base to build on. Hampshire is home to world class research universities and successful business clusters.

“We are fortunate to live in a county surrounded by unique coastline and outstanding countryside, as well as enjoying a strong cultural heritage.

“Our challenge is to make the most of this potential, so that Hampshire continues to prosper.”