Fantastic News!

Since Wiltshire Council consulted on our Plan back in the summer, and Independent Planning Examiner was appointed and his report was received on Friday 13th.

Not only did he recommend that we proceed to referendum in February 2025 but said our Plan is "an excellent example of a Neighbourhood Plan Review"!

A few highlights are:

27 New Green Spaces can be Safeguarded

These include the 50 hectare extension to Castlefields Country Park, Lavender Drive, play areas and allotments throughout the plan area. Designation does not confer additional rights of public access, but it safeguards the areas from inappropriate development.

Design Guidelines and Code to cover all development

Everything from large developments to house extensions and details such as shop fronts will need to respond to the guide.

New Local Heritage Assets

Features on the Wilts and Berks Canal, important feature buildings such as the Calne Library, statues and structures that make up our public realm are recognised for their local importance.

So why do we need a plan?

A Neighbourhood Plan is a way for communities to have a say in the future of the places they live and work in. The plan does not act as a barrier to development but is a way for our community to make positive decisions on growth rather than responding to planning applications on an ad hoc basis.

With a plan in place development also delivers 25% of the Community Infrastructure Levy directly to our area which has funded projects including provision of defibrillators, road safety measures like the new 40mph speed limit at Studley Crossroads, improvements to play areas and support for local primary school libraries.

But it’s Not Over Yet – If you want these benefits, you need to vote for it!

Neighbourhood Plans need to gain the approval of a majority of those who vote in a referendum in the neighbourhood plan area to come fully into force.

With a positive referendum vote the Plan will become part of the Wiltshire Development Plan and will be used to make decisions on planning applications.

Look out for your polling cards and postal votes arriving in the post ready for the vote on 27th February 2025.