Issue - meetings

The report of the Director – Development and Economic Growth is attached.

The Portfolio Holder for Business and Growth, Councillor Edyvean presented the report of the Director – Development and Economic Growth, which recommended that Council adopted the Plan.

Councillor Edyvean reminded Council that it had approved a number of reports of this nature in recent years and this marked the point at which the community of Hickling was able to decide about whether it supported the Neighbourhood Plan for the area.  Following the referendum, which was being held today, the Council was asked to adopt (make) the Plan if the community support reached over 50%.  As the residents of Hickling had put a lot of time and effort into creating their Neighbourhood Plan, Councillor Edyvean urged Councillors to vote in favour of the recommendations.

Councillor Brennan seconded the recommendations and reserved the right to speak.

Councillors J Walker, Jones, R Mallender and Thomas all expressed support for the recommendations and congratulated the residents of Hickling in taking an active role in the future of their community.

Councillors Brennan and Edyvean also congratulated the community and had nothing further to add to the debate.

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

a)     the Hickling Parish Neighbourhood Plan be ‘made’ (adopted); and

b)  authority be delegated to the Director – Development and Economic Growth to issue a statement setting out this decision as soon as possible following the referendum.