Having formally adopted the Plan at the Extraordinary Meeting of Full Council on 12 September 2023, representatives from the Parish Council/ Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group will be in attendance to address Council and formally present their Plan.
Minutes:
The Council was reminded that the Neighbourhood Plan for the parish of Keelby, had been adopted at the last meeting. Unfortunately, it had not been feasible for a Keelby Parish Council representative to be present, to take part in the “tradition” of formally handing over adopted plans, to celebrate the Parish’s success.
Representatives from Keelby Parish Council and its’ Neighbourhood Planning Group were in attendance, this evening. Councillor Sue Knight, Chairman of Keelby Parish Council (KPC), Councillor Trevor Wright (KPC) and Adrian Mitchell, lead volunteer on the Neighbourhood Planning Group were formally welcomed to the meeting. The Chairman also advised the chamber that he had visited the Parish to see the sites referenced within the Plan.
The Local Ward Member was invited to address the Chamber and spoke of his delight at seeing this document reach its final stages and of the dedication needed to complete such Plans.
Following which, Councillor Trevor Wright of KPC made the following statement: -
“Thank you for the invitation this evening, and opportunity for us to present the Neighbourhood Plan for the Parish of Keelby. My name is Councillor Trevor Wright, and with me today I have Councillor Sue Knight, Chair of Keelby Parish Council and Adrian Mitchell, a resident who had a large part in the development of our plan.
Keelby village is classed as a large village, is part of the Caistor and Yarborough Ward, it is located on the most northerly boarder of the West Lindsey District, neighbouring both North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire Districts. We often feel very isolated, but I’m delighted to say that we have 2 very proactive and capable District Councillors living in or very close to our Parish, and we are very
grateful to Councillor Lawrence and Councillor Bierley for their continuous support and guidance.
With a current population of a little over 2,100, there are approximately 970 dwellings, 10 or so businesses and 2 pubs; but as is the case everywhere, local businesses are dealing with challenging times at the moment.
We pride ourselves on Keelby being a nice place to live, and we as a Parish Council are keen for the village to retain its charm and community spirit, which is important to our residents. It was for this reason that we wanted to develop a Neighbourhood Plan, to give us some control of how the village might develop in the future.
Our neighbourhood Plan (presented to you today) focusses on 7 Planning Objectives that support our vision which reads:
“Our Community Vision for Keelby
Keelby will continue to be a thriving large village community with provision of key services, a good selection of local businesses / shops / amenities a broad range of locally accessible employment opportunities.
It will maintain and improve its overall sustainability, retain its village character and rural atmosphere while ensuring that it’s valued historic Listed Buildings, non-designated heritage assets, local environment, Open and Green spaces are not compromised or lost.”
In support of this we have specified the following Planning Objectives:
Planning Objective 1 focusses on retaining the character of the village, which is most important to us and our residents. Feedback from the vast majority of our residents when surveyed expressed the importance of open spaces, easy access to the countryside and the retention of green and open spaces; with over 80% of responses stating this as their highest priority.
Linked to this Planning Objective 2 centres on the planning of new, large-scale, residential development, and whilst we acknowledge the need for us to support planning objective laid out in the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan, we are keen to limit the number of large-scale development in the village. An 80 dwelling site has been approved, and a further development for up to 100 dwellings if referenced in our plan, but other than these, we are keen to restrict further development greater than 10 dwellings as we believe that this will begin to impact on the character
of the village.
Planning Objective 3 is associated with the smaller scale developments and changes to existing properties. With regards to these, we are keen to ensure that their design features and principles are both in line with current standards and requirements, but also complement the character and appearance of their surroundings and minimise any adverse impact on the Neighbourhood.
Planning Objective 4 focusses on the development of Business and Services to support the long-term sustainability of the village and its residents. Successful and thriving local businesses form an essential and very important part in this long-term sustainability, economic viability and vibrancy of the local community. They contribute to the village in many ways providing valuable local services, employment opportunities and indeed essential social contact.
Furthermore, we are particularly proud of our Sports Ground that hosts Football, Cricket, Tennis and Bowls clubs along with a well-used Skate Park. Initiated by the Parish Council Millennium investment and opened in 2006, the site is the envy of many and offers sports and recreation to 100’s of residents and local people. Additionally, with support from WLDC, we are continually improving recreational and play facilities on the village green for both our younger residents and also our more mature residents with the installation of adult gym equipment.
Planning Objective 5 deals with matter associated with the environment and countryside. An integral part of the character of Keelby continues to be that, although it is classed as a large village, its surrounding countryside remains quite rural. Although only a few miles from the important Humber Bank industrial and commercial zone, it is equally also very close to the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, part of which is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We are keen to ensure that we continue to enjoy this and develop in a way that continues to compliment. Therefore, we will continue to support the need for arable farming and the protection of local woodlands and wildlife habitats.
Planning Objective 6 deals with Roads and Transport issues raised by residents as part of the consultation survey, the main issues being associated with conditions of roads and pavements, speeding, access/parking and public transport. The lack of speed restrictions on busy roads that pass through or close to the village is a constant concern to us, and whilst the introduction of our Parish Council led Community Speed Watch initiative helps, there is still much to do and we will continue to liaise with the County Council to address these issues.
Finally, Planning Objective 7 addresses our aspirations to continually improve and develop our Walkways and Cycle routes, and all development proposals should provide links for walking routes to the central areas of Keelby where it is practicable to do so. Additionally, proposals that provide improved, safe cycle links to Immingham, Grimsby and the nearby National Cycle Route 1 will be actively supported.
Can I take this opportunity to thank the West Lindsey District Council Planning Support Team, particularly Nev Brown, who was a tremendous support to us throughout the process; and finally, I thank you for your time and for allowing us the opportunity to present our Neighbourhood Plan to you today.
The Chairman of Council then formally received the Plan from Councillor Wright to a round of applause from all Members and Officers.
Note: During the above item of business, Councillor Owen Bierley declared a personal interest as he had been a Member of the Neighbourhood Planning Group.