ILMINSTER NEWS: Help to shape the future of the town

ILMINSTER Town Council has thrown down the gauntlet to local people to get involved in shaping the future of their community through the Neighbourhood Plan Development Group.

At the first of four neighbourhood planning workshops there was plenty of lively debate and ideas in what was a positive meeting.

Ilminster has benefited from a Community Plan for several years (currently under revision) which, making use of grants, is working to improve the amenities within the town.

Much of the work done for the Community Plan will provide very useful evidence for those working on the Neighbourhood Plan project.

The Neighbourhood Plan, once completed, will have the same legal standing as National and District Plans when planning applications are considered and decided.

Cllr Tony Walker, who is hosting the workshops, said: “Having a Neighbourhood Plan will help to ensure that, in future, the town grows and changes in ways that the people of Ilminster have influenced and chosen, and that is what we need to concentrate on.”

Key areas that could be included within a Neighbourhood Plan are potential locations for additional developments, design standards, enhancing green spaces, protecting historical heritage, increasing recreational facilities, and protecting and growing the vitality of Ilminster.

So what happens next?

Cllr Walker said: “This workshop will be repeated twice at the Minster Rooms on Thursday, July 20, 2017, at 10am and 2pm and again at 6.15pm on Monday, July 24, 2017, at the Ile Youth Centre.

“But very shortly after that we hope to get our Development Group going, building on the evidence that we already have, we must establish a plan that has clear legal status and enables the people of Ilminster to play a much more decisive role in developing their town’s future.”

There is no need to book in advance to attend a workshop but a phone call or email to the Ilminster Town Council offices on 01460-52149 or email town.council@ilminster.gov.ukwould be appreciated so that appropriate seating arrangements can be made.

More information about the Neighbourhood Plan and the workshops can be found on the town council’s website at http://www.ilminster.gov.uk/np/ .

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