Issue - meetings

Members were asked to give consideration to a report to fully ‘make’ (adopt) the Cherry Willingham Neighbourhood Plan following a successful referendum.

Councillor England, Member Champion for Neighbourhood Planning, introduced the report, the plan on tonight’s agenda, would see the number of adopted plans across the District reach a total of 13, with up to 30 more currently at some stage within the process. He expressed thanks, both to the Group for their hard work, and to the Officers for the support they had offered.

Representatives from Cherry Willingham Parish Council were in attendance and prior to Members debating the matter the Chairman invited them to make a short address to Council and present their successful Neighbourhood Plan.

Councillor Paul Moore, addressed the meeting and expressed thanks to all Members of the Steering Group, paying particular tribute to Andy Booth for the technical advice and expertise he had provided, which it had become apparent, at a very early stage, was absolutely essential in creating a Plan which would be successful at the Examination Stage and to former Parish Councillor Anne Welburn for her much needed impetus at certain stages of the process.

Councillor Moore also expressed thanks to the residents of Cherry Willingham for attending the numerous consultation events, the Group had always been of the view that it was of paramount importance that villagers understood what the Group and the Plan were trying to achieve and what its key objectives were.

Thanks were also expressed to all the professionals which had been involved in the process for their help and advice and finally to the voters for turning out and supporting the Plan’s content.

Councillor Moore then formally presented the Plan to the Chairman.

Members across the floor congratulated the Group on their remarkable achievement.  Neighbourhood Plans were considered a vital component to communities, and Members thoroughly understand the effort, determination and dedication it took to produce a successful plan.

Councillor Welburn, Local Ward Member and former Parish Councillor also indicated, following the early questions around climate change, that Cherry Willingham had taken the opportunity to address climate change, bio-diversity and green spaces within its Plan.  Outlining some of the activities undertaken already to-date, including the planting of a new woodland.

Thanks were again expressed to the Group and it was moved, seconded and duly

RESOLVED that the Cherry Willingham Neighbourhood Plan be adopted and made.