A Vote-Yes opinion regarding the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan Referendum
Article submitted by a volunteer who helped to produce the Neighbourhood Plan. An alternative viewpoint can be found here.
A considerable amount of time and money has been spent preparing our Neighbourhood Plan. The full document can be found at southwater.joomla.com. The people of Southwater Parish now have the opportunity to accept it and for it to become adopted. A little reminder of what has been done to date:
2011 The Localism Act became law introducing new rights and powers to allow local communities to shape where they live and any new development by coming together to prepare neighbourhood plans (NP).
2013 Southwater Parish Council explored the benefits of having a Village NP. It became clear to most councils, that having Neighbourhood or Local Plans, demonstrated they had planned for developments which prevents speculative development for which communities had little say over. Initial stages of SNP completed.
2014 A SNP Steering Group made up of local residents and councillors was formed. In exhibitions, the People of Southwater were shown the outline
2015 They were then asked what they saw as important for their community and the group set about preparing a plan to reflect those aspirations. The SNP SG met with adjacent parishes to ensure consistency.
2016 Due to challenges from developers against other NPs, we engaged consultants to ensure the NP we were preparing was robust.
2017 Work continued the preparation of the plan and evidence required to support it.
2018 The draft plan was finalised and consulted upon. Amendments were made considering community feedback.
2019 The plan was finalised, consulted upon again, and then progressed to an independent examination.
2020 A public hearing was held to consider the proposals in the plan. The examiner published a report and confirmed that subject to some minor amendments it could proceed to a referendum. Unfortunately, the referendum was delayed due to COVID-19.
Q: Why do we need a Neighbourhood Plan?
A: Neighbourhood planning gives communities direct power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and shape the development and growth of their local area. They are able to choose where they want new homes, shops and offices to be built, have their say on what those new buildings should look like and what infrastructure should be provided, and grant planning permission for the new buildings they want to see go ahead. Neighbourhood planning provides a powerful set of tools for local people to ensure that they get the right types of development for their community where the ambition of the neighbourhood is aligned with the strategic needs and priorities of the wider local area.
Q: Will it stop all development?
A: No, its purpose is to guide future development with the local community having a meaningful say. Our NP sets out where future development should take place, the improvements to infrastructure required, protects our treasured green, open and sports spaces, and includes a range of measures to improve our built and natural environment. It also sets out where 422 new homes should be built, amongst 8 hectares / 19.8 acres of public open space. Central Government set quotas for local authorities to build housing – this is set. The NP is our chance to say how it comes forward.
Q: What happens if the people of Southwater do not vote YES at referendum?
A: If it is not accepted, the NP will not be used to determine planning applications, and all the new local requirements volunteers have worked hard to secure will be binned. Horsham District Council will allocate land for the new homes required; without the level of community involvement the NP has had.
Q: Where can I find a copy of the plan and more information about it?
A: southwater.joomla.com and www.southwater-pc.gov.uk/Neighbourhood-Plan-.aspx