Hargrave - Suffolk
The possible need for a 'Neighbourhood Plan' has come about partly due to changes in local planning legislation under the Vision 2031 project and to some extent by the removal of our 'Settlement Boundary'. These are all things that affect how much say we, as villagers, have over what happens in our village and how it may develop in the future.
At a Parish Council Meeting on 6th March 2014 it was discussed and agreed that a 'Neighbourhood Plan' may be the right way forward to ensure that the views of the villagers (obtained through the 2013 Village Review) are upheld and that 'The Village' could have more say in how it develops in the future.
At the Annual Parish Meeting on 15th May 2014 the Parish Council Chairman, Colin Painter, gave an overview of what a Neighbourhood Plan is and the differences between the DM28 policy, a Parish Plan and a Neighbourhood Plan. After some discussion a vote was taken on whether we should set up a group of people to look into the appropriateness and practicalities of producing a Neighbourhood Plan. The result was a majority yes vote so Colin agreed to enlist people from within the village with the appropriate skills to form this group and to establish if a Neighbourhood Plan is viable.
At the next Parish Council Meeting on 3rd July 2014 it was confirmed that the subcommittee had been formed and were named as Colin Painter, James Perry, Peter Reddick, Elaine Bass and Ron Ambridge.
As mentioned above, the data acquired from the 'Village Review' will be used as the basis to ensure the 'Neighbourhood Plan' matches the views of the villagers. The Village Review took the form of a paper survey which was delivered to every house in the village. The results were then collated and published on the Village Website and a printed booklet was distributed to every house in the village. To see the results click on the 'Village Review' link.
Background to Project:
Hargrave is a historic rural Suffolk village; it is recorded in the Domesday Book and is situated between Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket. The village has 120 houses, a mixture of modern and old properties (some 500-600 years old) and a population of 310 people across a wide age range. 35% are in excess of 55 years of age and 24% are under the age of 19.
The village is very active in terms of organisations and is well served not only by its Parish Council but by a Parochial Church Council who are responsible for it’s 1000 year old church.
The future development and progression of the village is very much under the control of the various local authorities and agencies which create local and national plans. An example of this is the Borough Council’s vision 2031, which designates Hargrave as countryside. In development terms this equates to no or minimal development.
The Government has introduced a new system of development plans and within this framework Parish Councils are being encouraged to produce their own Neighbourhood Development Plans enabling local people to have a say in how their own neighbourhood grows and develops. If approved by the village and the local authority, it would become a statutory plan.
Hargrave are in early stage discussions with West Suffolk Borough Council, who are actively supporting the village in this project. Hargrave is in fact, the first village in the Borough to undertake a Neighbourhood Plan.
At Hargrave’s Annual Parish Meeting held on the 15th May 2014, the purpose and content of the Neighbourhood Planning process was put to the village. It was agreed unanimously that this was a process the village would like to pursue to enable us to future proof the village in terms of its buildings and assets and in addition the well being of the villagers.
In 2013, prior to presenting the Neighbourhood Plan process to the village, in 2013 a village review was undertaken. This entailed a detailed questionnaire being delivered to each household and all the responses were collated and presented back to the village. Based upon the factual information in that review and the anecdotal comments from the villagers in the review, it was concluded that the village should have more of a say in the way it was to progress and develop. The output from this review is attached for information and can be also found on the website mentioned above.
This project supports the ambition of Suffolk County Council to empower local communities. In essence, having identified the village needs we are looking to help ourselves deliver these needs by finding the best local solutions to tackle our own specific problems.
In progressing the Neighbourhood Plan the Parish Council has actively involved appropriate villagers in the process to ensure community commitment and involvement. In following this route communication to the wider village will be key, since the end product will have to be supported at referendum, by the majority of the villagers attending.
To support communication and transparency a website informing the village of progress has been set up and is now part of the this village website.
The Neighbourhood Plan is a community led framework for the future development, regeneration and conservation of the village. It will benefit the whole village and as a minimum will give direction on the following:
- Protecting the environment
- Transportation
- Traffic issues
- Infrastructure e.g. electricity, sewerage, broadband
- Housing development- type, location, affordability, density, design standards
- Protecting the village history and heritage
- Developing village amenities
- Employment and business
- Leisure
In commencing this project we have been able to secure Locality Budget support of £2000 from our County Councillor Mary Evans.
The anticipated total costs of this project are likely to be approximately £25000. This expense will be needed to cover:
- Detailed assessment of need
- Evidence gathering
- Engagement/communication costs
- Facilitation costs
- Publication costs
- Referendum costs
The project will be undertaken in phases, from assessment through to implementation.
£15000 of the costs will be met from Pro Bono activity using experienced Planners, Surveyors, Architects, Programme and Project managers who have agreed to support this project.
The working group assembled to commence this project have already meet on 3 occasions and it is expected the project will take 2- 2 ½ years to complete.
Colin Painter, Chairman Hargrave Neighbourhood Plan working Group
Grove Farm Barn
Wickhambrook Road
Hargrave Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP 29 5HY
E Mail: colinpainter51@gmail.com
Tel: 01284 850803
Mobile: 07557 123650
