Churchill and Blakedown Neighbourhood Plan referendum

A Neighbourhood Plan referendum is being held in Churchill and Blakedown.  It will take place on Thursday 4 May 2017, the same day as Worcestershire County Council elections.

Residents who are on the register of electors will be asked to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the question, “Do you want Wyre Forest District Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Churchill and Blakedown  to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”

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 vision of the Churchill and Blakedown’s Neighbourhood Plan is to make sure that the two villages retain their distinct identities.

The Plan has been 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:

 “Churchill and Blakedown Neighbourhood Plan is a result of a lot of work by the Parish Council and it has been liaising with the District Council for the past 4 years.  There have been formal consultations and the go ahead for a referendum has been given, following an examination by an Independent Examiner.  Now electors have the chance to have their say on whether they would like the District Council to use it when determining planning applications. ’’  

The Neighbourhood Plan referendum will be the second in the district.  Chaddesley Corbett’s Neighbourhood Plan was adopted in September 2014. 

The referendum will be held at Blakedown Parish Rooms between 7am and 10pm.

Ian Miller, The Counting Officer said:

“We would urge all residents in the Parish to make sure they are registered to vote if they want to take part in the referendum.  We will be sending out poll cards at the end of March.  Anyone who would like to register to vote must do so by Thursday 13 April 2017. The deadline for anyone wishing to vote by post is Tuesday 18 April and for a proxy vote it’s a week later, Tuesday 25 April. Those electors who are already registered to vote by post do not need to reapply.“

Anyone with enquiries about registering to vote or postal and proxy applications can call the District Council on 01562 732928 or email electoral@wyreforestdc.gov.uk

Further information about Neighbourhood Plans and to read the Churchill and Blakedown Neighbourhood Plan visit www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplanning