Why make a Neighbourhood Plan?

Creating a Neighbourhood Plan gives a community (including residents, business owners and employees) an opportunity to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood. Through the plan, people can help to shape the positive economic, social and environmental development of their local area in a way that meets local needs. In responding to Neighbourhood Plan surveys, people can give their answer to questions such as:

• Where do we want any new homes, shops or offices or other businesses to be built?
• What should any new buildings look like?
• What kind of infrastructure, including footpaths and cycleways, should we have?
• How can we protect and enhance our local natural environment?
• How can we preserve the historic character of our town?
• Do we have enough green spaces and where might we want more?
• What and where are the opportunities for formal and informal leisure and recreation and do we need more?

 

Approving the Neighbourhood Plan

Once a draft plan is prepared there is an extended period of consultation and comment.

An amended version is then submitted to the Local Authority for external examination.

After any further amendments the plan is subject to a local referendum. If a majority of those responding are in agreement with the plan, it is then ‘made’ or adopted. At this point it becomes a legal document that must be referred to in all planning applications.

 

Who’s who?

How is the Neighbourhood Plan ‘Community-led’?

A Neighbourhood Plan is prepared by a local ‘qualifying body’ rather than a local planning authority. The qualifying body for Crewkerne is the Town Council but the plan preparation is being guided by a Steering Group of local residents and Town Councillors.

Those currently on the Steering Group are:

Pat Lunt (Chair) – local resident

Cllr Jan Nathan

Cllr Kathy Head

Cllr Simon Woodland

Gail Coleshill – local resident

Diane Butler – local resident

The Steering Group prepares the Neighbourhood Plan but this is guided by information received from community surveys.

 

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