Neighbourhood Plan Update
Many of you will also be aware that Natural England has expressed concerns about new developments because of the impact on water abstraction and the effect this is having on protected habitats. They asked that HDC ensure that any new development in the Local Plan is water neutral (follow the link below to understand more about water neutrality).
HDC are currently taking legal advice on the matter and will meet with the relevant stakeholders to understand fully the implications but have stated that until the matter is resolved our Plan cannot move to the next stage of consultation which is submission at Reg 15.
The Parish Council has questioned HDC officers about the way forward and who will pay for the work required and how long it will take to move to the next stage. There are no timescales, but they have agreed to fund the work needed once they understand the issue more fully. They are, however, quite adamant that if the Plan was submitted at this time it would not meet the Basic Conditions (which are a legal requirement) and it would be rejected.
This stalemate is not helpful since a great deal of work has gone into getting the Plan to this stage, but we have no option but to wait until the legal position is clarified.
We do not intend to make any changes to the Draft document which has been amended to reflect the comments made by residents and statutory consultees. The Draft , along with correspondence with HDC and NE can be found below.
We will keep you informed as we know more.
March 2022
Please see the Draft Neighbourhood Plan documents
Please follow the link to a page showing the survey results and consultation responses which are held on a separate website.
Draft NP as at 28th March 2022
Letter from HDC – 7th February 2022