Sleaford Neighbourhood Plan

PRESS RELEASE

Sleaford neighbourhood Plan Working Group

Subject: New Vision for Sleaford 2040

A new Vision for how Sleaford should develop up to 2040 has been published. It is presented in the form of a 'Green wheel,' with the Vision in the centre and supporting objectives radiating outwards. The Vision was produced by the Working Group steering the production of the first ever 'Neighbourhood Development Plan' for the town. The Vision and objectives are the result of more than two years of consulting residents, businesses, visitors, and local organisations about what kind of town they want Sleaford to be by 2040.

Councillor Robert Oates, Chairman of the Working Group said "This Vision and objectives will help us shape the first ever Neighbourhood Plan for Sleaford. The community has told us that they would you like to see the town develop further as a thriving centre of business, entertainment, shopping, and recreation, with better transport systems, sustainable housing, and all essential services. The Neighbourhood Plan will include proposals in all of those areas and more. Having a Neighbourhood Plan will also bring the town more funds from developers, to provide more public facilities."

The Vision and objectives will now form the basis for the Neighbourhood Plan itself, which the Working Group aim to produce by the autumn for public consultation. All residents, business, visitors, local organisations, and others will be invited to comment on the draft Plan, so that it can be further improved. The message from the Working Group is "do not let others decide for you."The group emphasise that without a Neighbourhood Plan the future of Sleaford will be steered by developers according to their needs not yours. By contributing to the Neighbourhood Plan, the community can influence development decisions to be the best for them.

The Working Group emphasise that the Neighbourhood Plan will not just sit on shelves ignored. It will be a document that must legally be considered whenever an application is made for planning permission for new buildings or other developments in the town.

The restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic over the past two years have caused the Working Group to mostly engage with the community in socially distanced ways. But going forward they are determined to engage face to face whenever possible.

Working Group member Mr Keith Maltby said "As well as having community representatives on the Working Group of the Neighbourhood Plan project, there is also a 'People's Panel' of residents and business owners to advise us on developing the best possible plan. This usually involves responding to around one e-mail a month. Anyone who would like to join the People's Panel is invited to e mail Nicola Marshall, Deputy Town Clerk at - Nicola.marshall@sleaford.gov.uk."

More information about the plan and its progress can be found at www.sleafordneighbourhoodplan.co.uk

Councillor Robert Oates, Chairman,

Sleaford Neighbourhood Plan Working Group