In the summer, we surveyed all residents to find out whether we should develop a Neighbourhood Plan for the parish. All respondents to the survey were in favour of developing a plan and we are making progress; we now seek further input from residents who are interested in being a member of the steering group for the plan.

A ‘Neighbourhood Plan’ is a Government funded initiative that enables communities to shape the development and growth of their local area. A plan would enable us to choose where we want new homes and amenities, have our say on what those buildings should look like and what infrastructure should be provided to support any developments. Currently Findern and Highfields do not have a neighbourhood plan, unlike many of our surrounding villages/parishes, so we are now changing that and have been actively putting things in place!

In September, the Parish Council applied to the Environmental and Development Services Committee at South Derbyshire District Council to designate the boundary of the parish of Findern as the Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) area. (see attached plan). This was approved.

Following a meeting with planning officers from the District Council in October; on their recommendation, an application was made to Locality for funding to support the process. Locality are a national membership network supporting local community organisations to be strong and successful; they support groups who want to prepare a neighbourhood plan or neighbourhood development order; the support includes access to grants and technical work packages. Visit their website for more information – Neighbourhood Planning – Locality. They have produced an excellent step-by-step guide on the development of a Neighbourhood Plan – How to create a Neighbourhood Plan: Your step by step roadmap guide – Locality Neighbourhood Planning.

The Parish Council has also appointed a planning consultant, Helen Metcalfe BA (Hons), MA, MRTPI, to guide and advise the steering group throughout the various stages of developing a plan. Helen is an experienced planning consultant who has supported many areas in the development of their NDP.

Helen would like to meet with the steering group in January to start framing the initial questionnaire that will go out to all residents. The questionnaire will seek residents views on all aspects of the parish.

We are now seeking interested residents to become members of the steering group. There will be a drop-in session at Findern Village Hall on Castle Hill, Findern between 10am and 12 noon on Saturday, 16 December 2023 for you to come along and find out a bit more of what is involved prior to the meeting with Helen, which will be held in January 2024.

If you are unable to come along on Saturday 16 December, but would still like to be involved in the process and be invited to the Steering Group meeting in January, then please email the Clerk at clerk@findernparishcouncil.org to let us know, and we will ensure that you are included.

Although the Parish Council has to be the nominal lead in the development of a Neighbourhood Plan, the most effective and responsive plans come from as many residents as possible getting involved in the process and having their say; whether that be in joining the steering group or responding to surveys and questionnaires to submit their views.

Therefore we do hope that you are interested in joining us in the development of the plan for our neighbourhood.

We hope to see you on Saturday 16 December!