Agenda item

The Hungerford Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) has been subject to independent examination. The Examiner has recommended that the NDP with modifications can proceed to referendum (see Appendix C). However, the Examiner’s decision is not binding and only West Berkshire District Council (WBDC) can decide if the NDP progresses to referendum. This report provides the evidence for the Council to make that decision.

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 10) concerning whether the Hungerford Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) should progress to referendum.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Denise Gaines and seconded by Councillor Justin Pemberton:

That the Council:

“Endorses the Decision Statement on the Hungerford NDP which concludes that the Hungerford NDP, with the inclusion of modifications, meets the Basic Conditions.

Because the modified Plan meets the Basic Conditions, it is recommended that:

(a)  The Plan should proceed to referendum;

(b)  Upon a successful ‘yes’ vote at referendum, agreement is sought that the Hungerford NDP is adopted immediately after the votes have been counted so that it becomes part of the Development Plan for West Berkshire; and

(c)  The authority to make minor alterations and corrections to the Hungerford NDP as set out within the Decision Statement (see Appendix D), prior to its proceeding to referendum, be delegated to the Executive Director for Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing.”

Councillor Gaines explained that the NDP had been subject to independent examination and the Examiner had recommended that the NDP, with modifications, could proceed to referendum. However, it was for Council to decide if the NDP progressed to referendum. The report provided evidence for the Council to make that decision.

Councillor Gaines outlined the recommendations. She explained that a lengthy process had been undertaken to bring the NDP to this point. This included numerous consultations and resident participation. The purpose of the NDP was to guide development in the area. If successful at referendum, the NDP would be adopted as part of West Berkshire Council’s Local Plan.

Councillor Adrian Abbs voiced his support for the proposal. He emphasised the importance of maximising Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions to help communities undertake good work in their areas.

Councillor Howard Woollaston explained that he had carefully reviewed the NDP as he had lived near to Hungerford for many years. He congratulated the Steering Group on its work, recognising that much time and effort had gone into producing the NDP.

Councillor Clive Taylor advised that the Tilehurst NDP had been in place for ten years and was aware of the extensive amount of work that needed to be put into the production of an NDP. He commended the Hungerford NDP.

Councillor Tony Vickers, another of the Ward Members for Hungerford, clarified that he had no personal involvement in the production of the NDP. He commended the Town Council and the Steering Group for all their hard work in producing this splendid document.

Councillor Ross Mackinnon provided comment on behalf of Councillor Dennis Benneyworth’s (another of the Hungerford Ward Members). Councillor Benneyworth had received correspondence from residents both in support of the NDP and objecting to it. It was therefore appropriate for residents to vote at the referendum.

Councillor Pemberton noted his huge respect to the Hungerford NDP Steering Group for all their work. It was something to be proud of. He hoped that residents would give their support to the NDP. He added that the existence of the NDP would help with achieving CIL monies that could be invested in the community.

Councillor Gaines added her thanks to Hungerford Town Council and the Steering Group for doing such an excellent job.

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.