A SIX week public consultation has begun into the draft Alcester Neighbourhood Development Plan.
Alcester Town Council as the ‘qualifying body’ has prepared the ‘Alcester Neighbourhood Development Plan 2011-2031’ with the help of the local community.
The plan sets out its vision for the future of the area and planning policies which will be used to determine planning applications locally.
Neighbourhood planning is a key component of the Government’s Localism Act.
The Act devolves greater powers to councils and neighbourhoods, giving local people new rights to shape the development of the communities in which they live by taking a more active role in the development of planning policy at a local level.
This can include making sure future housing growth is sustainable, meets local needs and doesn’t harm the surrounding environment.
Although run with the help of the town council the The Alcester Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group is chaired by local resident Wendy Mills.
Steering group member and town clerk Vanessa Lowe said: “This is a very important staging post for our Neighbourhood Plan and represents the culmination of more than years of work.
“The Town Council hopes that, once it is adopted, the Plan will help steer development in Alcester in a positive way whilst protecting the heritage and green spaces which make Alcester such a special place to live, work and visit.”
A copy of the draft plan can be viewed on the Council website at www.stratford.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplans or paper copies can be viewed at the Council’s offices at Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford, and also at Alcester and Stratford libraries during normal opening hours.
The consultation started yesterday, Thursday, May 30 and comments may be made to the district council no later than 5pm on Friday, July 12, 2019.
Comments can be made via www.stratford.gov.uk/alcesternp or by email to [email protected].
Posted comments should be sent to Stratford District Council, Planning Policy, Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford, CV37 6HX.
The village of Alvechurch had its Neighbourhood Plan approved earlier this year while Studley is currently developing one.
