Bidford Neighbourhood Development Plan adopted

At Stratford-on-Avon's full Council meeting on 17 July 2017, Members unanimously decided to 'make' (adopt) the Bidford-on-Avon Neighbourhood Development Plan under Section 38A(4) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended).  

The Bidford-on-Avon Neighbourhood Development Plan is the fourth to be made in the District and is the culmination of over three years work by the Parish Council, neighbourhood plan steering group and the local community, who should all be congratulated for their achievements.    

The Bidford-on-Avon Neighbourhood Development Plan now forms part of the Development Plan for Stratford-on-Avon District and will be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications within the Parish of Bidford.  

Cllr Chris Saint, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council said that: "Neighbourhood Plans reflect the desire of local communities to influence their development. I welcome the opportunities being provided to local villages to influence development in their parishes."    

Voters in Bidford-on-Avon went to the polls on 29 June to respond to the question: "Do you want Stratford-on-Avon District Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Bidford-on-Avon to help decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?"  

The results were as follows:

The number of votes cast in favour of YES was 968 (94.1%)

The number of votes cast in favour of NO was 61 (5.9%)

The turnout was 22.4%.      

The Council agreed the following recommendations:  

That the Bidford-on-Avon Neighbourhood Development Plan be made/adopted with immediate effect with the consequence that it becomes part of the Development Plan for Stratford-on-Avon District.

That Council congratulates the Bidford-on-Avon Neighbourhood Development Plan Team on their work in the report to be presented to Council.