Saffron Walden Neighbourhood Plan comes into force
A planning document which will help to shape change and growth in Saffron Walden has been formally adopted by Uttlesford District Council.
The Saffron Walden Neighbourhood Plan was 'made' at a meeting of Council last night (11 October). This means the plan will now become a statutory development document and will be taken into account when dealing with planning applications in the area.
The decision follows a successful referendum held in the parish on 15 September, which saw 2,186 residents vote in favour of the plan (93%) and 154 vote against it. The plan had already gone through a period of public consultation and undergone independent examination.
It becomes the sixth neighbourhood plan to be adopted in the district, following Great Dunmow, Thaxted, Felsted, Newport Quendon & Rickling, and Stebbing.
A number of other towns and villages are in various stages of preparing their own plans - Ashdon, and Great & Little Chesterfords are in the final stages of the process. Broxted & Cherry Green, Hatfield Heath, Hatfield Broad Oak, Little Dunmow, Little Easton, Radwinter, Stansted Mountfitchet and Takeley neighbourhood plans are all at the early stages.
Neighbourhood plans provide an opportunity for local communities to shape and influence the future development of their areas, to help realise their hopes and aspirations. They have to be broadly in accordance with national planning policy and the strategic policies in the Local Plan, but can identify, for example, particular areas for development or special protection, specify design and other considerations.
Uttlesford District Council is committed to supporting towns and villages through the neighbourhood planning process and put a strong focus on this work in its Corporate Plan 2022-26. The council also has an agreement with the Rural Community Council of Essex to support communities interested in community-led planning.
Get more information about neighbourhood plans.
12 October 2022