What is Neighbourhood Planning?
In a nutshell, Neighbourhood Planning allows communities to decide what happens on their doorstep. A Neighbourhood Plan is a legal document that if approved at referendum will form part of the LDF for Wakefield Council. This document will have to be taken into account when future decisions are being made or proposed for Walton. You can read more here : My Community Rights
Why does Walton need a Neighbourhood Plan?
In recent years, Walton has been faced with a number of large planning applications which have not been wholly welcomed or supported by those who live and work in the village.
Through a Neighbourhood Plan, we have the power to take a proactive approach to new development rather than a reactive approach. It is our opportunity to set down what is important to us, what we wish to enhance or protect and what we as residents feel is appropriate for Walton and acceptable for our needs.
Who is running the Neighbourhood Plan?
Walton Parish Council as the appropriate body to undertake a Neighbourhood Plan delegated a steering group to be formed and chaired by Councillor Helen Massey. With support from local residents, business owners and parish councillors, this is the full Neighbourhood Plan steering group list. Like Parish Councillors, the steering group are an entirely voluntary, unpaid group.
Who pays for it?
The Neighbourhood Plan for Walton will not aim to deliver all of its content straight away. It is a framework of guidelines for anyone seeking to develop or alter any part of the village. The document will sit alongside the Local Development Framework adopted by Wakefield Council and will have to be given legal regard by anyone wishing to prepare a planning application in the area covered by our red line. The preparation of the plan was funded by a £7,000 grant from Locality (a government funded agency and the maximum amount given) and an immense amount of free time and effort from the steering group professionals. Without their voluntary input this plan would not have happened.
If you are able to offer us any financial assistance to help the projects listed within the Plan progress please call or email us. We'd love to hear from you.