31 May 2017

A local referendum to determine whether the West Byfleet Neighbourhood Plan should be adopted will be held later this year following approval by the Council of the Independent Examiners report.

The Examiner recommended that, subject to their specific modifications, the West Byfleet Neighbourhood Plan meets the basic conditions and other statutory requirements to proceed to a local referendum based on the Neighbourhood Area designated by Woking Borough Council.

Copies of the Examiners report can be inspected at:

  • Woking Borough Council, Civic Offices, Gloucester Square, Woking, GU21 6YL, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.45pm
  • Woking, Byfleet and West Byfleet libraries (please see www.surreycc.gov.uk for address and opening times)
  • On the Councils website.

The report will be considered by the Council this summer and local residents will be notified of the Councils decision and the date of the referendum in due course.

Cllr Ashley Bowes, Woking Borough Councils Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: The Neighbourhood Plan has been prepared by the West Byfleet Neighbourhood Forum with the involvement of local residents to help influence the nature and type of development in the West Byfleet Neighbourhood Area.

The Examiners report is good news and a reflection of the hard work of the forum, which should be congratulated.

If the Neighbourhood Plan is adopted, it will form part of the development plan for the area which would be taken into account in planning decisions affecting the Neighbourhood Area.

Neighbourhood planning

Neighbourhood planning was introduced under the Localism Act 2011. It aims to help local communities play an active role in how land within a designated Neighbourhood Area is used and developed.

Neighbourhood plans must meet basic conditions by having regard for national planning policy, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development and be in general conformity with local strategic policies and EU obligations, and human rights requirements. Plans should not promote less development than set out in the Local Plan or undermine its strategic policies.

For more information about Neighbourhood Plans, pleased visit www.woking.gov.uk/planning/policy/ldf/neighplg

Article by Woking Borough Council