Issue - meetings

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

Councillor Paul Howitt Cowan, as Local Ward Member, introduced the report. He expressed thanks, to the Group for their hard work, and to the Officers for the support they had offered.

Representatives from Willoughton 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 Peter Baldwin, addressed the meeting and made the following short address: -

“You will be pleased to know I am not making a large speech

I would however like to thank some members of the Willoughton Parish Council as well as those villagers who “volunteered” to form the Neighbourhood Development Plan Committee. It has been their time and effort that has resulted in our Plan today.

Initially I was unsure about this when it was first raised and two people deserve special mention for helping the Parish Council arrive at a decision. One of those individuals was Luke Brown who went on to be our consultant and worked with us closely through all aspects – we would not be where we are today without Luke’s help.

The other person is from within your midst,and that is Councillor Steve England. Again it was very reassuring to have a District Councillor knowledgeable about the process prepared to come along to one of our meetings and answer our questions without any prejudice at all.

I am pleased to say that having gone through the process and have an approved Plan in our hands we are delighted with the result.

Thank you”

Councillor Baldwin then formally presented the Plan to the Chairman.

Members across the floor congratulated the Group on their remarkable achievement.

It was moved, seconded and duly

RESOLVED that the Willoughton Neighbourhood Plan be adopted and made.