The Localism Bill - Your Input Could Be Crucial

We hear a great deal about the Localism Bill and what some people think it will mean. One item that is certain, is that there will be alterations to the planning system "to make it clearer, more democratic, and more effective". How this turns out in practical terms within any new laws, will depend on the general public becoming involved and making their views known.

Two things are already in place. Firstly, the abolition of the regional spacial strategies, which would force ever more housing in to Wincanton. The future level of housing will be decided jointly between the people of Wincanton and South Somerset District Council. Secondly the introduction of Neighbourhood Planning, the bill will include the right for communities to draw up a "Neighbourhood Development Plan". The neighbourhood plan would decide the level of new houses, and where they were built, the provision of land for jobs and businesses, and what is most important, what they would all look like.

Your involvement is crucial to the success or failure of any scheme. Do you the residents of Wincanton want a neighbourhood plan for our town? Are you happy with the record of the planning system as operated at district council level? Do you think that outside bodies such as the county council, police, and statutory bodies such as the health service should be required by law to consult the general public, and to respond to public demands? What type of forum should be put in place to build our neighbourhood development plan? Do you think any of the existing bodies can carry forward this project? Your comments are not only welcome, but essential to this project.

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