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The Upper Eden Community Interest Company is progressing with a Neighbourhood Plan for the Upper Eden Area.
Tom Woof, Upper Eden Plan Project Officer said: “Neighbourhood Planning is a new process for giving communities more say over local planning decisions - by giving the policies we make the same status as District Council policy. The policies for Upper Eden concentrate on helping local people get the housing they need, whether they are low paid, the elderly, farmers, tenant farmers or just needing to build a house for sons and daughters to live locally. The policies are careful to protect the landscape and local character and prevent inappropriately large developments in villages”.
Last year the first stage of this process took place through community consultation in suggesting a range of policies that would form the basis of the neighbourhood development plan. The findings of which have been considered and addressed where possible in the revised Neighbourhood Development Plan (Draft Proposal).
Priorities identified in the area are affordable and sustainable rural housing, housing on farms and for the elderly whilst ensuring housing densities are suitable for the area. Coupled with which is the need to monitor and manage development to prevent over-development, consider the needs of rural businesses and help to deliver Broadband Internet Access through planning policy.
On Monday May 28th a formal 6 week consultation period commences, during which time local residents, businesses, organisations and statutory bodies will be encouraged to review the draft proposal and submit feedback survey forms before the 9th July deadline. On Thursday 14th June an open meeting will be held at the Masonic Hall, Kirkby Stephen from 5 – 6.30pm, where people can discuss the draft proposal with the Plan Project Officer. Paper copies of the plan along with a survey form will be available from Local Links in Kirkby Stephen and other community venues as well as on www.uecp.org.uk, where there will be an online survey to complete if people prefer.
“The Upper Eden Neighbourhood Plan is an extraordinary project - a way of allowing communities to shape their future. It is a unique opportunity for communities to decide how they want their landscape to look, what kind of houses they need, and how they want the community and parish to develop. It takes power from the centre, and gives it back to local people - who know and care so much for their own community and area. Tom Woof and his team have done a brilliant job, leading, engaging with the public and working through the government. They have been true pioneers - national champions. I'm delighted that they have come this far. I'd really encourage every parishioner who is represented by the Plan to engage and submit a feedback survey form”. Rory Stewart MP
At the end of the consultation period a finalised plan will be submitted and, after review and if successful, will be subject to a community referendum later this year.