Neighbourhood Development Plan Status – March 2014

Submitted by Editor on Wed, 02/04/2014 - 2:24pm

 Survey – October/November 2012 – Key Results

  • Detailed results were presented at a public meeting on the 23rd March 2013 and in summary at the annual meeting of the Parish Council on the 13th May 2013.
  • The survey was completed by 177 representative households, just over 50% of the total.
  • 81% said that housing was needed - 64% for affordable housing and 42% for open market housing.
  • The need for housing is high with 45 people looking now and up to 75 more in the next 5 years.
  • On transport: more parking at the station; more evening/weekend trains; a regular bus service.
  • 42% wanted more action on traffic but 42% didn’t!
  • The importance of the School, Nursery and Church were confirmed thereby underlining the need for housing to help provide long term sustainability.
  • A demand for more communication channels.
  • The need to protect the country environment, character and environment of the village.

 What else has been done so far?

  • Drafts of 4 key sections of the plan (housing, business, transport and social) have been completed for team discussion and for discussion with Mole Valley District Council (MVDC)
  • Potential housing sites are not included at this stage until discussions with landowners have progressed further
  • An initial letter has been sent to all landowners to gauge interest – this is now being followed up with more detailed discussions with those interested
  • The important ‘sustainability’ section of the plan has also been drafted – this has also been discussed in the team and forwarded to MVDC, Natural England, English Heritage and the Environment Agency for initial feedback

 What are the main next steps?

  • Agree and complete the draft plan incorporating team and MVDC feedback
  • Agree the sustainability section to include feedback from MVDC and the other stakeholders
  • Agree land availability options with landowners and test the site options against each other
  • Add all conclusions to the plan
  • Complete draft plan and submit for consultation with village and key stakeholders
  • Amend using agreed feedback
  • Issue amended plan to the examiner
  • Referendum of the village
  • Plan adoption