ILMINSTER NEWS: Shaping the future of Ilminster with a Neighbourhood Plan

PEOPLE are being given the opportunity to have their say on the future of Ilminster by getting involved in work on the town’s Neighbourhood Plan.

During the next few months there will be a series of workshops looking at how Ilminster might develop in the years ahead.

The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Tony Walker, said: “We need ideas on what people believe is important to secure the future viability of our lovely town – ideas which will be vital in constructing the Neighbourhood Plan.”

Cllr Walker, speaking at Tuesday’s (May 9, 2017) Annual Community Assembly hosted by Ilminster Town Council at Greenfylde First School, said there had been previous attempts in the past to produce such plans without success, but now there was a real drive to push forward with the Neighbourhood Plan as it would provide guidance for the future development of the area.

“They must be taken into account by planning officers and inspectors when reviewing local planning and design applications,” he said. “Whilst current government initiatives will have a significant effect on all our lives, are they going to be best for Ilminster?

“We think the people who live here, raise families here or work here will have good ideas that will benefit all of us in the future.

“With the help of local people we can create a plan based on the ideas and wishes of Ilminster, a plan specific to our needs.

“Once it has been created, received the approval of the people of Ilminster in a local referendum and accepted by the local authority, it will fit into national and district policy.”

Ilminster Town Council has now invited residents to a workshop being held at the Shrubbery Hotel in Station Road on Thursday, June 29, 2017, at 7.30pm where details of how people can share in developing the new Neighbourhood Plan will be explained.

“All you need is a desire to influence the future,” added Cllr Walker.

Anyone wanting to register for the workshop or express an interest in getting involved with the Neighbourhood Plan – please email town.council@ilminster.gov.uk or phone Ilminster Town Council on 01460-52149.

Tags:
News.