More sessions have been arranged in early January for residents to drop-in to find out more about the progress made on the parish’s Neighbourhood Development Plan; also to give their opinions on things that matter to them and even possibly to ask to become a member of the steering group for the plan.

If you simply want to know more about the progress we are making on the neighbourhood development plan for the parish of Findern (Village and Highfields) drop in to Findern Village Hall, Castle Hill, Findern between: –

7.15pm and 8.30pm on Tuesday 9 January 2024

 or

2.30pm and 4.30pm on Saturday 13 January 2024

For those residents who are keen to get involved and be on the steering group for our neighbourhood development plan, please come along to a meeting at Findern Village Hall, Castle Hill, Findern at

7.15pm on Tuesday 23 January 2024

It would be helpful if you could email the Clerk to let us know if you intend to attend the meeting on 23 January: Email: clerk@findernparishcouncil.org

 

Background: –

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.

If you are unable to come along to one of the drop-in sessions on 9th or 13th, but would still like to be involved in the process and be invited to the Steering Group meeting on 23 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 at one of the sessions in January.