WELCOME to the first Community Consultation of Woodbridge’s Neighbourhood Plan Cllr. Josh Sayles Chairman, Woodbridge Neighbourhood Planning Committee
Why are we here? • The Town Council thinks that a Neighbourhood Plan is right for Woodbridge • Tonight launches the process • We want you to leave informed and enthused
What is a Neighbourhood Plan? • It is a plan to direct the future development of land in Woodbridge IT WILL HAVE TEETH – Part of the development plan – Policy for determining planning applications – Has the same status as the Core Strategy
The Neighbourhood Plan area • We need to determine the NP area – Extension into Melton or Martlesham parishes would need their agreement • Final decision made by Suffolk Coastal DC • You tell us which is the best area
The small print • This is the community’s plan, it seeks to deliver what you want… • …but it does not automatically mean everything the community wants can go into the plan • Landowners, developers, Suffolk Coastal DC have a say • Plans must be deliverable
The small print • Cannot use the plan to say ‘no’ • The plan is not about concreting over Woodbridge… • …but it is not about preserving it in aspic either • Ultimately a good plan recognises the needs of all and can manage change
“What happens if we don’t produce a plan?” • Who knows? • But you will have very little say in it • Only the District Council’s plan will be used to determine applications in Woodbridge – You won’t have an influence on where – You won’t have an influence on what – You won’t have an influence on how much
“Who are this Navigus Planning lot?” • We are planning consultants that specialise in helping to produce neighbourhood plans • We have been employed by the Town Council to help with the technical aspects • We are completely independent in this process – We have no direct interests in Woodbridge • Our brief is to ensure you have a plan which can make it through to adoption
So how do we produce a Plan? What does a sustainable Woodbridge look like in 15- 20 years’ time?
So how do we produce a Plan? 1. What are the issues we want to address? 2. What evidence do we need? 3. What are the possible options for addressing each issue? 4. What is the preferred option for each issue?
Engagement • This plan can only reflect what you want if you tell us • Meetings, surveys, workshops • Keep your eye out: – Town Council Newsletter – http://woodbridge.onesuffolk.net/ – Social media – Posters around town
Any Questions?
The issues for the Working Groups
Housing • How much extra housing should we permit? • Where should new housing be located? – West of A12? – South into Martlesham? • Should developments be restricted in size?
Housing • Are there particular types of housing that need to be provided? – Smaller properties? • What should new housing look like?
Getting Around • Should the Thoroughfare be pedestrianised or should existing restrictions be better enforced? • Should Quay Street be one-way so pavements can be widened?
Getting Around • Parking – Are there enough spaces in the town centre? – If not, should we build multi-storey car parks? • Cycling, walking and buses – What improvements are necessary?
Employment and Shopping • How do we best support our shops? • Do the local centres, e.g. Warwick Avenue, address needs?
Employment & Shopping • Do we have sufficient employment in Woodbridge? • Should we protect existing employment sites or can they be put to better use? • Should we have more units for start-ups/ artisans?
Community, leisure & wellbeing • Are there any community assets we want to protect? • Are existing community facilities adequate? • Do we want to open up the river more to recreational use?
Environment, Design & Sustainability • Do you have any local green spaces that should be protected? • Should design of new development encourage innovation or reflect the local vernacular? • Should houseboats be allowed on River Deben?
Any Questions?
How the Working Groups will work • Working Party has to be a minimum of 4 (including the lead person) • Working Party members are either residents, have a business, own a property or own land in the NP area • Each Working Party is responsible for its own secretarial services
How can I get involved? • Join a working group – What issue is of most importance to you? • You can be on more than one working group • Sign up tonight before you leave • You can still sign up after tonight: – chris@woodbridge-suffolk.gov.uk – Tel: 01394 383599
“Will this take up a lot of my time?” • No • Each group will meet 3 or 4 times over a 4-6 month period • Collect evidence between meetings • Each group will have a lead person
“But I don’t know anything about planning” • You don’t have to • You focus on the issues • We will provide guidance • We will write the policies that support your solutions
Next Steps • Give us your details tonight and tell friends • We will put together Working Groups and set up initial meeting • You can then get started!
Chris Walker Woodbridge Town Council Tel: 01394 383599 Email: chris@woodbridge-suffolk.gov.uk Chris Bowden Navigus Planning Tel: 01206 700260 Email: chris@navigusplanning.co.uk
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