The report of the Executive Manager – Communities is attached.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing presented the report of the Executive Manager – Communities providing information on the Colston Bassett Neighbourhood Plan. The documents had been introduced by the Localism Act 2011 and gave local residents the opportunity to shape the future of their communities. The Plan had been promoted by the Parish Council, publicised, consulted on, examined by an independent Examiner and considered by the Borough Council. At its last meeting, the Cabinet agreed that the Plan should come to Council for approval, to proceed to a referendum. The referendum would take place on 26 March 2020 and follow the same format as previous neighbourhood plans. If more than 50% of those voting voted “yes” then the Borough Council was required to “adopt” the Plan.  If the result was “no”, then the Parish Council would have to decide what it wanted to do.

The report was moved by Councillor Upton.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Combellack stated that she was a great exponent of neighbourhood plans as they gave local residents a great opportunity to shape their local areas and provide legal weight to planning decisions. They protected the character of local areas of historic interest, whilst allowing new development to keep villages vibrant. This particular plan was a well-balanced and professional plan, which had been commended by the Independent Examiner. 

Councillor Gray confirmed that the Labour Group supported the recommendation and thanked everyone involved for their hard work and diligence.

Councillor Jones confirmed that the Liberal Democrat Group supported the recommendation and reiterated the previous comments.

Councillor Richard Mallender confirmed that the Green Group was happy to support the recommendation. 

Councillor Thomas confirmed that the Independent Group was happy to support the recommendation and congratulated all those involved. It was hoped that it would be taken into consideration in the planning process thereafter.

Councillor Butler referred to the significant work involved, especially for small communities such as Colston Bassett and it highlighted how much they cared for their community.

Councillor Upton reiterated the comments made and stated that from personal experience he was aware of the hard work involved. 

It was RESOLVED that, subject to a majority vote in the referendum:

a)     the Colston Bassett Neighbourhood Plan be ‘made’; and

b)     authority be delegated to the Executive Manager – Communities to issue a statement setting out this decision as soon as possible following the referendum.