Neighbourhood Plan –
What’s in it for us?
INTRODUCTION
Neighbourhood Plans have been introduced by Government to encourage local
communities to have a much greater say on
community planning. By having a Neighbourhood Plan, the future development
of Eight Ash Green will be in our own hands, rather than with third parties
such as Developers, Colchester Borough, Essex County Council or Central
Government.
Eight Ash Green already has a Parish Plan (2011) and Village Design
Statement (2013. These were put in place following a detailed and lengthy
consultation with villagers, and completed by village volunteers. Both were
adopted by Colchester Borough Council as supplementary planning guidance.
They provide an aspirational plan for the future of our village, but they
are not intended to specify the extent and location of future development.
THE 2017-2033 BOROUGH LOCAL PLAN
Colchester Borough Council is working on the Borough Local Plan for
2017-2033, which entails finding sites for some 16,000 new homes. Several
local land-owners see Eight Ash Green as ideally situated for large-scale
development, and have made representations in the initial Call for
development Sites. Unless tightly controlled, we could see 600 to 1000 new
houses being built by 2033, which would completely change the character of
the Village.
By having a Neighbourhood Plan, local people are able to influence the
extent of development, where that development takes place, and what other
infrastructure and additional facilities that should be provided. However,
“No Development” is not an option. All villages will be asked to take some
development to provide for their local needs, typically 20 – 50 homes
between 2017 and 2033, according to the size of the village.
WHAT IS THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN AND WHY BOTHER?
A Neighbourhood Plan has to be based on the proven evidence-based need for
residential development and a decision by the village on where it should be
located. The Draft Neighbourhood Plan must be reviewed by a Government
Planning Inspector, and adopted by the Village in a referendum. The Approved
Neighbourhood Plan then becomes a statutory part of Colchester Borough
Council’s planning policy.
The key points include:
Acceptance that future development will occur, but any change will be greatly influenced by the approved Neighbourhood Plan.
A focus on what the types, numbers and location of housing the village community believe is needed in the future.
A demonstration that the plan for the future is both acceptable to the majority of residents and complies with legal statute.
An acceptance that the Neighbourhood Plan means that the prospect of future development is linked to benefits that accrue for the community as a whole.
WHAT IF WE DO NOT HAVE A NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN?
For communities without a Neighbourhood Plan there is already a presumption
in favour of the developer to build where they can show a need and or a
reason to develop. Without a Neighbourhood Plan, development can be imposed
upon the Village without taking into account the views of residents.
WHAT IS HAPPENING CURRENTLY?
For more information please take a look at the Neighbourhood Plan website
here
John Allcock