Nether Stowey Neighbourhood Plan Referendum
We are delighted to announce that the Neighbourhood Plan for Nether Stowey parish was overwhelmingly approved by residents at the Referendum held yesterday, Thursday 6th May. The results are as follows:
Votes cast: 396 (total electorate 1,171)
YES – 338 votes
NO – 55 votes
Rejected – 3
There was a turnout of 34.32% with 85.4% in favour of the Plan being adopted and used by Sedgemoor District Council to help it to decide planning applications in the parish. The formal notice will be published later today.
The approval of this important policy document will make a difference to local people as Neighbourhood Plans have to be taken notice of legally by all agencies involved in Planning applications. It means that local views must be taken into account when planning decisions are made.
The Neighbourhood Plan is a much wider document as it will ensure not only the right development happens in the right places in line with local need but is there to protect the distinct character of Nether Stowey, to safeguard and enhance the natural and historic environment, to improve pedestrian and cycle links, support local businesses and jobs, protect and improve green and open spaces and protect existing and improve community facilities. Thank you to all those who took the time to vote and to all volunteers who contributed to the making of this Plan over the last 5 years.