As many of you will be aware, the Government's Localism Bill will have a profound effect on proposed development in all communities. Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area has been chosen to pilot the production of a Neighbourhood Plan, with a Neighbourhood Planning Forum set up to take that work forward.
Peter Doyle, the Chairman of Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board and Community First support and welcome the creation of a Community Led Planning Group to help influence the development of the Neighbourhood Plan for the community area. As Ex-Chair of the Parish Plan Steering Group, I agreed to facilitate the creation of the group and am requesting volunteers to take the group forward; once created I will withdraw as it is important this group is, and is seen to be, entirely independent and representing the views of the parish. The group will:
- Be separate from the Parish Council
- Create their Constitution
- Elect officers
- Agree how often it will meet – it could be on an ‘as and when needed’ basis
- Elect their representative on the Neighbourhood Planning Forum
It is not intended that membership of this group would be a huge commitment, but it will be an important group whose purpose will be to ensure the views of the people of the parish are represented on the Forum by a nominated and accountable representative. It is important for Broad Town to be aware that saying ‘No’ to development is a risk as it could leave the community vulnerable to unchallenged development. This group will therefore be a vital link between the views of the residents of Broad Town and the work being carried out on the Neighbourhood Planning Forum. So, I would encourage anyone interested in joining this group, with the aim of taking forward the views of the parish, to please contact me by 9th December.
Thank you
Jenny Newman Tel: 739268