LAPWORTH PARISH COUNCIL REPORT
The first meeting of 2020 was attended by David Butler, a representative of the Planning Department, of Warwick District Council. David outlined the purpose and benefits of a Lapworth Neighbourhood Plan and advised on the process for having one adopted.
A Neighbourhood Plan (sometimes called a Neighbourhood Development Plan) is a way of helping local communities to influence the planning of the area in which they live and work. It can be used to:
- Develop a shared vision for your neighbourhood.
- Choose where new homes, shops, offices and other development should be built.
- Identify and protect important local green spaces.
- Community led planning document, sits alongside the Local Plan
- Helps shape and lead all kinds of development
- Opportunity to provide parish-level influence on planning matters
- Influence what new buildings should look like
- Must conform with the strategic policies of the Local Plan (allocations etc.) but can vary non-strategic policies where evidence supports
The Parish Council is considering whether to embark on the process of compiling a Neighbourhood Plan, however is it not a decision to be entered into lightly. Preparing a plan will require a lot of time and effort, both from the Parish Council and representatives of the community. Although how much time it will take will vary depending on the issues included and the size of the community, developing a Neighbourhood Plan may take up to 2 years.
Where a parish council chooses to produce a neighbourhood plan it should work with other members of the community who are interested in, or affected by, the neighbourhood planning proposals to allow them to play an active role in preparing a neighbourhood plan to reach a broad consensus on the objectives, key issues and desired outcomes.
Ultimately the Neighbourhood Plan is subject to a Parish Referendum and should more than half of those voting vote in favour of the neighbourhood plan, the plan comes into force as part of the statutory development plan for the area.
It is a complex area, and not a legal requirement, so before committing to developing a Neighbourhood Plans the Parish Council would like to consult with local residents at the Annual Parish Assembly at 7.00pm on 9thMarch 2020 in Lapworth Village Hall.
We also hope to discuss setting up a new Community Speedwatch team of volunteers in response to resident feedback.
Further details will be available with the opportunity to ask questions at the meeting.
Also at the Annual Assembly representatives of local organisations will present updates in relation to their activities for the year. The Assembly will be immediately followed by the ordinary meeting of Lapworth Parish Council, members of the public are very welcome at both meetings.
The Parish Council has also received confirmation of £10,000 funding from the District Council to support Indoor Sporting Activities in Lapworth Parish. A small amount is also available for Outdoor Sporting Activities. Please contact the Clerk if you are interested in finding out more.
The next Meeting of the Parish Council is scheduled to take place on Monday 10thFebruary at 7.30pm in the Committee Room of Lapworth Village Hall. Meetings are held at the same time the second Monday of each month.
Minutes and Agendas for meetings are on the Parish Council website www.lapworthpc.org.uk
Clerk Contact details – phone 01676 533258 or email clerk@lapworthpc.org.uk
