Southam Neighbourhood Development Plan adopted

At Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Full Council meeting on 11 July 2023, following the Portfolio Holder Decision published on 23 June 2023 Members unanimously decided to 'make' (adopt) the Southam Neighbourhood Development Plan under Section 38A(4) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended).

The Southam Neighbourhood Development Plan is the 28^th plan to be made in the District and is the culmination of nine years' work by the Parish Council, neighbourhood plan steering group and the local community, who should all be congratulated for their achievements.

The Southam 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 Town of Southam.

Voters in Southam went to the polls on 22 June 2023 to respond to the question: "Do you want Stratford-on-Avon District Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Southam to help decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?"

The results were as follows:

The number of votes cast in favour of YES was 705
The number of votes cast in favour of NO was 77

The turnout was 12.2%

The Council agreed the following recommendation: That the Southam Neighbourhood Development Plan (Appendix 1 to the Decision) is adopted with immediate effect with the consequence that it becomes part of the Development Plan for Stratford-on-Avon District