Header Image for Culmstock Parish Council

 

Welcome to our Neighbourhood Plan

Neighbourhood Plan Logo

 


 

What is a Neighbourhood Plan?

A Neighbourhood Plan is about shaping development of a local area in a proactive manner. It cannot prevent development proposals, nor overrule local or national planning policies, but once adopted by a community referendum, the plan becomes a statutory document which local planning authorities and inspectors must refer to when making planning decisions.
 
Each plan is unique and will reflect topics that its residents identify as most important. A plan might include what housing mix is required to meet local needs and what it should look like; where new business or housing should be located; what green spaces and/or heritage assets should be protected; what community facilities are currently available and what are the limitations of local infrastructure.

 For a more in-depth explanation of how neighbourhood planning works, take a look at the .gov website pages, here:

 Who leads neighbourhood planning in an area?

 
If you would like to add your thoughts, the following link will take you to three simple questions, asking what you like and dislike and what you feel could be improved, in our parish:

Have you had your say? 

 

Why do we need a Neighbourhood Plan?

Who is better placed to decide what our future community should look like?

Today, Culmstock's compact nature, historic character and vibrant community focal points, combine to give it a distinctive identity which is increasingly hard to find. The purpose of the Plan is to provide a locally informed framework for preserving and enhancing that identity, while guiding sustainable growth and positive change for future generations.

Through comprehensive engagement with long-standing residents and more recent arrivals across all ages, together with local businesses, landowners and other stakeholders, the Plan will identify the places, characteristics, facilities and opportunities that the community values most, as well as any existing shortfalls and current priorities for improvement. Supported by appropriate evidence, these findings will inform policies intended to guide future development that responds to local needs, respects Culmstock's heritage, strengthens its community and contributes positively to the long-term environmental, social and economic sustainability of the area.