Issue - meetings

Following the successful examination and referendum, this report seeks to make and bring into force the Westfield Neighbourhood Plan (Appendix 1), so that it will be used by the Local Planning Authority to help determine planning applications within the Neighbourhood Area.

Westfield Parish Council is the qualifying body authorised to act in relation to the Neighbourhood Plan.

Ron Hopkins (Vice Chairman Westfield Parish Council) read out the statement where he thanked Council officers for their support in preparing the Westfield Neighbourhood Development Plan over the last 3.5 years.  Ron Hopkins also said that Westfield Parish Council was grateful for the Plan, especially as Westfield was one of the youngest Parishes in the country.  Ron Hopkins invited the Council to continue to support Westfield in its development.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson, as Westfield Ward Member, also welcomed and thanked the officers and all of those involved in the Westfield Neighbourhood Development Plan.  Councillor Jackson also thanked all volunteers who gave their time in organising events in Westfield.  Councillor Jackson concluded her statement by saying that benefits of the Plan were already in the report, though the main benefit would be in creating community identity, in particular merging old community with the new.

Councillor Bob Goodman introduced the report by saying that he was pleased to bring this Plan for adoption.  There had been a lot of time and effort put into creation of this plan which was one of the 7 already adopted Neighbourhood Development Plans, with 9 more Plans in waiting.  Councillor Goodman also said that it would be important for community to have their say on this matter, and it would improve close working between the Parish Council and its residents.

Councillor Goodman concluded his comments by thanking everyone who was involved in creation of this Plan.

Councillor Bob Goodman moved the recommendations.

Councillor Karen Warrington seconded the motion by saying that the Plan would focus on the local community and how they want to develop the area.  Councillor Warrington also thanked to all those involved in the process.

Councillor Vic Pritchard also welcomed the Plan by appreciating the amount of effort from all those involved in the production of the Plan.  Councillor Pritchard also said that by having a Neighbourhood Development Plan, residents would be able to dismiss any attempts from new developers to persuade the community in approving their proposals.

Councillor Paul May congratulated the Ron Hopkins, Councillor Jackson and Westfield Parish Council on their part in bringing the Plan together which would be great credit to Westfield. 

RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Cabinet agreed to make and bring into force the Westfield Neighbourhood Development Plan as part of the Development Plan for the Westfield Neighbourhood Area, in accordance with Section 38A(4) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended by the Localism Act 2011 and the Housing and Planning Act 2016).