Town looks set to have second plan for future (From Ledbury Reporter)

Town looks set to have second plan for future

3:50pm Sunday 23rd September 2012 in News By Gary Bills-Geddes

LEDBURY looks set to have two plans for its future development, in a bid to give residents a strong say in local planning matters.

Town councillors have agreed to gather information about Neighbourhood Plans, including possible grants.

The new plan would be in addition to the Town Plan, which is already being developed by a dedicated steering group.

Former mayor Coun Clive Jupp is a strong supporter of the move, and said having a neighbourhood plan would give Ledbury a stronger voice concerning development matters.

He said: “The town plan covers everything but I am unsure as to what extent Ledbury Town Council can rely on it in a dispute with Herefordshire Council.

“The neighbourhood plan is optional, but if produced it is a statutory document that will have to be taken into account by all senior authorities and the planning inspectors.”

He added: “I think this is too good an opportunity to miss.

“We need to make a decision and get on with it, or we are letting down the people of Ledbury.”

Speaking at a town council meeting in the Market House last week, Herefordshire councillor Liz Harvey said a Government grant of up to £30,000 might be available to fund a neighbourhood plan.

Coun Rob Yeoman said: “If this will benefit the town, and money is available, we should push this forward and find out how we can do this plan.”

The town council has agreed to gather more information about neighbourhood plans.