Neighbourhood Development Plan - June 2017

Posted on June 30, 2017

Hi again from the Parish Council Steering Group.

We missed reporting the last two months as we were waiting for the release of Central Bedfordshire Council's (CBC) draft Local Plan (LP). In law the Neighbourhood Plan cannot conflict with the LP.

The pre-draft Local Plan was issued on 20th June 2017 and the full draft LP formally released on 4th July 2017. We have been very busy carefully reviewing CBC's intentions and plansalong with the Green BeltReview which, for a village within the Green Belt, is key to future development. Housing within the Green Belt is only allowed under "very special circumstances" hence our desire to carefully review CBC's policies.

Following release of the LP on 4th July CBC will commence an 8 week consultation where we, the public, have an opportunity to comment and potentially alter the Plan. Should you like to attend one of CBC's "drop in" sessions the nearest is on 9th August 2017 at Caddington Sports and Social Club - 2:00pm to 8:00pm.

The Steering Group have decided to hold two open public consultation meetings to inform and discuss our work so far and to give villagers an opportunity to have their say. Topics which we will present include:-

• The Green Belt
• CBC's proposals for development in Eaton Bray
• Sustainable housing
• Built heritage
• Biodiversity

We will also ask you questions:-

• What development would you like to see in Eaton Bray?
• How many houses would you like built?
• What would you like to see protected, landscape / village character / Flora & Fauna etc.?
• HAVE YOUR SAY!

We plan to hold two consultation meetings so that if one date is inconvenient then hopefully you will be able to attend the other. These meetings are important as we very much wish to obtain a consensus of opinion across the village. Dates are:-

• Monday 14th August 2017 from 6.30pm to 9.00pm
• Saturday 16th September 2017 from 9.30am to 12.00noon

Signs will be placed around Eaton Bray and advertisements on the Parish web site and Facebook.

Keep your eyes on the Parish Council web site and Facebook page for more information. If you feel you can offer any support please come along to our meetings. However support doesn't need to be attending monthly meetings, perhaps you have the time to help with data collection/research. Contact the Parish Clerk at www.ebpc.co.uk

Please feel free to attend the next Steering Group meeting which are planned for the last Monday of the month. 7:30pm at the Coffee Tavern, Eaton Bray.

Please contact us on [email protected] if you would like to come along.