Warminster Neighbourhood Plan 2: Huge public consultation to span 8 weeks now open

The draft Warminster Neighbourhood Plan 2 is ready for Formal Public Consultation – and feedback from the Warminster community is needed to “make the plan better.”

The consultation is now open and will run for a period of 8 weeks to Monday 23rd March as the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group looks to collect feedback from the whole of the town.

It the first formal consultation stage on the pre-submission draft version of the updated Plan (known as Regulation 14 consultation).

‘The Neighbourhood Plan is a working document’

The Mayor of Warminster, Cllr Andrew Cooper, is actively encouraging all members of the community to add their voice to this public consultation.

He said: “I wholeheartedly commend the Neighbourhood Plan to the people of Warminster for consultation.

“This is the most important stage of producing the document, where everyone in Warminster can say exactly what they think - what they like, what they don't like, what they think should remain in the Plan, what should be added in and what they feel should be removed.

“The Neighbourhood Plan is a working document, a draft which will improve through each and every contribution from all members of the community. Please, I urge all the people of Warminster to study and consider the document and add their own thoughts and feeling as the Town Council seeks to make the plan better and better.”

This document is a community-led plan that gives local residents a voice in how their town develops over the next 15 years. Residents do not need to comment on everything, just the issues that concern them.

It is an update to the original plan from 2016, designed to reflect the significant changes in Warminster, including new housing developments and the challenges facing the town centre.

It has been prepared by the Warminster Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, made up of local residents and town councillors, and supported by independent planning professionals.

Steering Group Chair, Cllr Phil Keeble added: “In recent years, we’ve seen significant development pressure. Having an up-to-date Neighbourhood Plan gives us more control and proactive say by ensuring that planning decisions take in account our community’s priorities.”

Why update the plan?

It is important to understand that legislation does not allow Neighbourhood Plans to simply prevent development, according to the Steering Group.

Due to national and regional housing targets, a Neighbourhood Plan cannot simply say 'no' to any more houses being built.

Through the updated Neighbourhood Plan we can have more say on:

· Where new development is most appropriate

· What our local housing needs are

· How to achieve good design that adds to the positive qualities of our town

· Where green space and environmental features must be protected

Looking ahead to 2038

The second edition looks ahead to 2038 and addresses long-term and new issues, such as tackling climate change, providing affordable homes in the right places, and supporting the local economy.

Without a Neighbourhood Plan in place, development may take place speculatively and may fail to consider the needs of our community.

We need to hear back from as many people as possible - tell us what you like about the draft plan, what you don’t like and what you think could be better.

1. Read the draft plan: Download the draft Warminster Neighbourhood Plan from the website: Warminsterplan.com or take a look at hard copies available at the Civic Centre, Warminster Library, Warminster Athenaeum or Warminster Sports Centre.

2. Chat to the people involved in preparing the plan: Drop-in events will be held at the Civic Centre. Find out when on the website. You can also phone Warminster Town Council if you want to talk to someone about it.

3. Submit your comments: All feedback must be submitted to the Warminster Town Council for formal review via the Survey by 23rd March: Access the survey via warminsterplan.com

Survey

Following the consultation, all comments and evidence submitted will be analysed and the Plan will be amended in line with the responses.

This revised draft will be considered by Full Council with the intention of submitting it to Wiltshire Council and subsequently an Inspector for examination. The residents of Warminster may, subject to decision, then be offered the chance to accept or reject the Plan in a referendum.

For more information contact the Town Council via 01985 214874 or email admin@warminster-tc.gov.uk