A local referendum on the Allithwaite and Cartmel Neighbourhood Development Plan was held yesterday (29 February) to decide whether the local community were in favour of the plan being used to help decide planning applications in the area.
The result was 259 in favour and 55 against. The turnout of electors was 20.63 per cent.
In accordance with Section 38A (4) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended), the Westmorland and Furness Council must now "make" the plan as more than half of those voting were in favour. The decision to "make" the plan will be made at a Cabinet meeting on 30 April.
When approved, the plan will become formally adopted and have equivalent weight in decision making to the Local Plan as part of the Development Plan.
The plan was drawn up by Allithwaite and Cartmel Parish Council following consultation with local residents and businesses. The policies proposed in the plan include:
- Ensuring high quality design in new development;
- Conserving and enhancing the landscape character of the parish, including protection of significant views, and the Cartmel Conservation Area;
- Protecting local green space through the designation of eight local green spaces;
- Protecting and enhancing green infrastructure and biodiversity;
- Protecting dark skies to minimise light pollution; and
- Restricting new dwellings within and immediately adjoining Cartmel village for principal residence occupation only.
Neighbourhood planning gives communities direct power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and shape the development and growth of their local area. A neighbourhood plan ultimately forms part of the Development Plan – policies which local authorities use to determine planning applications.
Click here for more information about the Allithwaite and Cartmel Neighbourhood Development Plan.