Decision details

Cabinet was invited to agree that the Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath Neighbourhood Plan be ‘made’ following a successful referendum.

Members were advised that a referendum was held on 19 March 2019 and

the regulations required that if the majority of those who voted in the referendum were in favour of the neighbourhood plan, then the neighbourhood plan must be ‘made’ (i.e. formally adopted as part of the statutory development plan for the Borough) by the Local Planning Authority within 8 weeks.

The Neighbourhood Area had an electorate of 14,781 and turnout was 35.66%. The referendum result showed clear support for the Neighbourhood Plan with a total of 5056 votes cast in favour and 207 votes against. This equated to 96% voting ‘yes and 4% voting ‘no’’. The regulations set out that a neighbourhood plan came into force as part of the statutory development plan immediately after it had been approved at referendum, whether it was ‘made’ or not. However, it needed to be formally ‘made’ by the local planning authority within 8 weeks hence the report to Cabinet.

Members welcomed the report, noting that this was the first Plan not to be generated by a parish council, and Members recognised the work that the local community had put in to the process. Members also wanted to thank Officers for the support they had provided to the local community as well.

RESOLVED:

(i)  That the result of the Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath Neighbourhood Plan Referendum held on 14 March 2019 be noted;

(ii)  That as a result of a successful referendum, the Neighbourhood Plan now forms part of the Borough’s statutory Development Plan be noted; and

(iii)  That it be agreed that accordance with the statutory requirements, the Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath Neighbourhood Plan be formally ‘made’.