Members gave consideration to a report which sought approval to adopt (make) the Corringham Neighbourhood Plan as part of the West Lindsey Development Plan, following the plan’s successful referendum, held on 2 December 2021.

The Local Ward Member presented the report and in doing so, acknowledged the enormous amount of time and effort, Corringham Parish Council and its residents had put into producing the Plan. He outlined the difficulties encountered at the outset of the process, and resulting impacts, personally congratulating the Group for their determination to continue and reaching this final stage.  He welcomed how West Lindsey and the parishes within his community had embraced the Localism Act and the opportunity it provided communities to shape development within their area.  Once made the Plan’s existence would require the Planning Committee to take into consideration the content of the Plan when determining application in the parish.

In seconding the report, the Chairman of the Planning Committee welcomed and encouraged the development of Local Plans.  With current planning legislation, it was incredibly useful to have local input from local communities to ensure West Lindsey and local communities developed and prospered in an appropriate way.

In the wider context, the adoption of the Plan would mean that West Lindsey would now have 22 adopted Plans, with 19 in preparation and two being reviewed.

The planning status and “weight” given to Neighbourhood Plans, once made, when determining planning applications was considerable and as such some Members commented on the disappointing referendum turnouts often seen.  It was so important that as a District we somehow engendered in local communities how significant and important these documents were and tried to encourage greater interest.

Having being moved and seconded, on being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED that the Corringham Neighbour Plan be adopted and made, in accordance with the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations 2012.

A round of applause, in the Group’s absence followed the resolution, with the Chairman again offering congratulations to them in their absence.

Note:         Councillor Paul Howitt-Cowan and Councillor Tom Regis left the meeting following consideration of this item.