Churchill & Blakedown Neighbourhood Plan Adopted

Planning applications for developments in Churchill & Blakedown will now have to take into account  the parish’s Neighbourhood Plan, following last night’s meeting of Wyre Forest District Council.

The Neighbourhood Plan for Churchill & Blakedown forms part of the Wyre Forest District Council’s Development Plan, after it was officially adopted last night (Wednesday 26 July).

A referendum was held on Thursday 4 May 2017, when parishioners were asked “Do you want Wyre Forest District Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Churchill & Blakedown to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”

Electors voted in favour of the plan with 87.8% per cent of voters saying ‘YES’.  There was a 39.62% per cent turnout. 

Neighbourhood Plans are part of a package of measures introduced by central Government to allow communities more say in the development that takes place in their area.  It sets out policies to guide development and can allocate sites for specific uses. The Plan was prepared by the Parish Council, which has been working with the District Council.

Councillor Ian Hardiman, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration said:

“The Parish Council has worked hard to bring about its Neighbourhood Plan.  It allows local people to get the right type of development for their community and also meets the needs of the wider area. It’s a great example of how we can work with communities to make sure development in our area is appropriate for all.”

Councillor Roger Shade, Chairman of Churchill & Blakedown Parish Council said:

“The Parish Council view the adoption of our Neighbourhood Plan as an important milestone in the history of our Community. It has received an impressive 'Yes' vote from the electorate and will be used by Wyre Forest District Council when determining planning applications. The development of the Plan has involved a lot of hard work and determination and we could not have achieved it without the help and support of Wyre Forest District Council.”

The council meeting was webcast and can be viewed on the Council’s website www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/webcast

Further information about Neighbourhood Plans can be found on the Council’s website www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplanning