Agenda and minutes

Councillor King declared a personal non-pecuniary interest in item 4 by virtue of having taken part in the Growing Together Neighbourhood Plan consultation process.

Councillor Meredith declared a personal non-pecuniary interest in item 4 by virtue of being on the Growing Together Neighbourhood Forum.

Apologies were received from Councillors G Eales, T Eales, Flavell, Parekh, Caswell, Hallam, Cali, Davenport, Stone, Gowen, McCutcheon, B Markham, Bottwood, Choudary, Golby and Walker.

There were none.

(Copy herewith)

Councillor Hadland submitted a report and elaborated thereon. The report sought to “make” the Growing Together Neighbourhood Plan, following on from initial community engagement between 2012 and 2014 and culminating in a referendum held on the 23^rd February 2017. Councillor Hadland extended his thanks to the Growing Together Neighbourhood Forum and all of the officers involved. He noted that the Neighbourhood Plan would be a great asset for the local community in the future.

Councillor Larratt seconded the report.

Councillor Chunga, as a Councillor whose ward would be affected by the Plan, addressed Members. He stated that it was extremely pleasing, as a local resident, to see the fruits of hard work, also offering his thanks to Forum members and officers who made the Plan happen.

Councillor Duffy then addressed Members, stating that the Neighbourhood Plan would fix a lot of problems in the area and echoed the praise given by previous councillors.

Councillor Meredith addressed Members, stating that after four years of planning, the Plan had been very successful, thanking Forum members and Officers. He noted that he only regretted that the Plan did not cover a larger area.

Councillor Birch addressed Members next, stating that the Growing Together Neighbourhood Plan was in the true spirit of the Localism Act. She noted that there seemed to be higher levels of cohesion and enthusiasm amongst residents who were happy to be given the opportunity to get involved.

Councillor Beardsworth addressed Members, stating that it had been essential that feedback given at the start of the process had been taken on board. She welcomed the Plan and the fact that it helped to bring politics to the level of local people, something she said was of vital importance.

Councillor Hadland finally noted that although the budget for the 23^rd February referendum was in the region of £25,000, the final cost was much closer to £15,000.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Council “makes” the Growing Together Neighbourhood Plan, in accordance with Section 38(A)(4) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2.    That the Growing Together Neighbourhood Plan and the Decision Statement be published on the Council’s website, and paper copies be provided in locations where people live, work and carry on business in the area can view them.

3.    That the Decision Statement and details on how to view the Growing Together Neighbourhood Plan be sent to the qualifying body (Growing Together Neighbourhood Forum) and any person who asked to be notified of the Council’s decision.

4.    That the Growing Together Neighbourhood Forum be congratulated on the successful outcome of the referendum and the making of the Growing Together Neighbourhood Plan.

The meeting concluded at 18:47.