Town goes it alone in neighbourhood plan (From Swindon Advertiser)

Town goes it alone in neighbourhood plan

12:24pm Tuesday 18th September 2012 in News

Cricklade Town Council has opted to work towards its own neighbourhood plan rather than being part of a plan for the whole area.

Under the Localism Act 2011, Neighbourhood Planning is a new way for local communities, through their town and parish councils, to decide where homes, shops and offices should be built in their area.

The Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area was offered central government funding via Wiltshire Council to pilot neighbourhood planning with 11 other separate parishes.

Cricklade was part of a steering group where each parish worked together towards a joint plan, but town councillors voted to opt out.

David Tetlow, chairman of Cricklade Town Council, said: “Our area steering group was formed some 12 months ago and received excellent support from Wiltshire Council and we have all done our best to work towards a common plan for our large community area.

“However, as the legislation and its constraints have become clearer over time, it has become increasingly evident how difficult it will be to arrive at this point given our differing needs and geography.”

Cricklade Town Council has established its own working party of councillors and volunteer planning professionals working towards its own neighbourhood plan.