Thornbury Neighbourhood Plan Referendum
On 31st March voters in Thornbury Parish will be able to vote on whether or not to put into effect the Neighbourhood Plan which has been created after several rounds of consultation with residents. The Plan was produced by volunteer residents (Thornbury Neighbourhood Plan Supporters Group) to make sure local voices get a hearing in the planning process.
What is the Neighbourhood Plan?
A Neighbourhood Plan lets local communities influence any development taking place in their area. Once it gets approval, all planning applications have to be checked against its policies.
Thornbury’s plan covers:
• The development of housing (type, design, tenure etc.)
• Local employment and opportunities for businesses
• Protecting the character and identity of Thornbury
• Thornbury town centre and the provision of services and facilities
• Green and open spaces and connections
• Protecting the natural environment and mitigating against the impact of climate change
• Transport and access issues
The Neighbourhood Plan cannot cover how much development takes place. This is regulated in higher level plans. The Neighbourhood Plan lays down local policies which address, amongst others, such things as getting infrastructure in place before developments, creating homes for starters and downsizers, achieving a green buffer between the villages, maintaining access to the countryside, and the creation of green cycle and walking routes.
Issues such as pedestrianisation of the High Street could not be included, although the need for a vibrant town centre is emphasised.
Residents’ concerns which are addressed in the Plan are:
• The historic character of Thornbury and the importance of its ‘rural feel’.
• The spirit of ‘community’ in Thornbury with the active involvement of so many residents in clubs, learning, festivals and markets which all create a sense of belonging and connection.
• The need for Thornbury to retain its own identity and to avoid becoming part of an urban sprawl on the outer fringes of the large city of Bristol.
• The provision of adequate infrastructure and services to cope with rising demand including schools and healthcare facilities.
• The importance of the town centre and its viability and offering.
• The need for new homes to cater for younger and older people, be affordable, high quality and tenure blind.
• The importance of access to the natural environment within the town including through its network of landscaped pathways such as the Streamside Walks as well as the easy access to the countryside and its varied wildlife.
• Sustainability and the desire for the town to reduce its carbon emissions and be resilient to the impact of climate change.
• The requirement for sustainable modes of travel including walking and cycling.
• Improving local employment opportunities, offering better life chances locally for younger Thornbury residents and easing the burden on the already challenged transport infrastructure by reducing the need to commute.
All the policies in the Neighbourhood Plan are designed to address these issues. The plan aims to make sure that any future development does not mean the loss of the things residents want to preserve. Future development must make sure it fits in with Thornbury’s character. It must make a positive contribution to our area. Voting ‘Yes’ in the referendum will mean that the Plan must be consulted before any future development is permitted to ensure that the views of residents are taken into account.
Click below for further information and access to a copy of the plan or phone Margaret Pinder on 01454 416778.
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