Giving Local Residents and Businesses a Voice...
Photo courtesy of Ricky Hodge
What is our
Neighbourhood Development Plan?
Neighbourhood Development Plans are legal documents and defined under the 2011 Localism Act of Parliament. Across the Country some 3,000 communities are working on a Neighbourhood Development Plan or have had theirs approved for implementation. A government grant has been received to allow preparation of our Southborough & High Brooms Neighbourhood Development Plan to be supported by two professionals planning consultants. This is essential, as one of the key stages in writing a NDP, is examination by an Independent Examiner to decide if it can go to the community of Southborough & High Brooms for acceptance through a referendum. Our project plan schedules us to reach that stage by the Autumn of 2025. Further funding has recently been granted by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing & Communities to provide additional consultants to undertake a Housing Needs Assessment of our town and define Design Guide Codes, to help maintain the traditional character of Southborough & High Brooms.
Governance & Engagement
Steering Group of Councillors and Residents has been established and will be extended to include local organisations and businesses. This Steering Group operates under a Terms of Reference. A Community Workshop was held on the 18th September in the Unity Hall (Southborough Civic Centre) to launch our Neighbourhood Development Plan More such events are planned for October and November, together with ‘Drop In Sessions’ for local Businesses. A Community wide Questionnaire will also be published for all residents and Businesses to complete. It is vital that everyone is given the opportunity to contribute to the plan and that the Steering Group can show that all views have been sought and included from all sections of the community. Further community engagement events throughout 2024 will be announced.