People of Westfield are being asked to have their say on the pre-submission draft of the Neighbourhood Plan for Westfield.
Neighbourhood Plans were introduced under the Localism Act as a new way to help local communities influence the planning of the area they live and work in. If a plan is prepared and agreed by the community, it becomes part of the development plan for the neighbourhood and is used in the determination of planning applications.
The Westfield Plan sets out a framework for the future of the parish, including housing, green spaces, local employment, transport, parking and the protection of historically important buildings. During the summer, the Options Consultation in Westfield elicited some really helpful and positive suggestions from local people, many of which have shaped the Plan into this, its pre-submission draft. All comments can be viewed at: www.westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
Cllr Ron Hopkins, Chair of the Neighbourhood Plan Working Group, said: “This is a real opportunity to plan for the future of our parish and our families, and to ensure that the quality of living in Westfield, which we have grown to love, is enhanced and developed in a way that we all want in the foreseeable future. The plan should enhance employment opportunities, the availability of housing at all levels, further education, schools and youth activities, entertainment, and leisure activities.”
Chair of the Council, Cllr Geoff Fuller, said: “What we need to do now is make sure that everyone who is affected by the plan is aware of it and has the opportunity to comment.”
When the publicity period has finished on Monday, 11th December 2017, the plan will go to independent external examination, and after satisfying that, a referendum will be organised to enable the community to have a final say.