W8 don't stop planning - cllr clare curran
- 1. It’s Over To You A Neighbourhood Plan for Bookham Cllr Clare Curran Portfolio Holder Mole Valley District Council
- 2. Bookham Surrey Mole Valley, Surrey Population of about 11,500, 37% over 55y Generally affluent population, 80% homes owner-occupied Vibrant High Street, Independent Retailers Strong Community Spirit “…… most residents believe that Bookham is a nice place; Bookham is a safe place; Bookham is a desirable place to live: residents would generally like Bookham to stay much the way it is.”
- 3. Bookham and MVDC Positive engagement with community via; LDF Core Strategy Land Allocations DPD - SHLAA Built-Up Area Character Assessment Conservation Area Review Residents’ Association representations on development control applications
- 4. Bookham Vision Community Exercise involving 150+ volunteers Householders’ Questionnaire with 68% return rate Residents’ views on a range of topics www.bookhamvision.org “… ..it must be acknowledged that change, to some degree is unavoidable. As residents who want the best for our village we must try to shape that change: preserving what is best about our way of life here while moving forward and embracing the future” Bookham Vision, October 2010.
- 5. Bookham Vanguard Bid to Neighbourhood Planning Front Runners scheme Bookham chosen to be in Second Wave Community meetings had backed bid Initial Start-up group to initiate exercise Plan to have Forum in place by October 2011 Task Group to gather evidence
- 6. Issues to address Housing Development and mix Affordable/Social Housing Retail provision Green Belt Green Space Infrastructure Safeguarding the unique village character and environment
- 7. So Far So Good Community driven – minimal Councillor involvement Community beginning to appreciate need for new development Plenty of Interest, Energy and Enthusiasm Great working relationship with MVDC Planning Policy Team Networking with other Second-Wavers
- 8. Hurdles to Overcome Raising Awareness Manpower Usual Suspects Cynicism – what will it deliver? Will it do more for Bookham than MVDC would have done? Money Referendum
- 9. What Will it Look Like? Plan will form part of the LDF Land Allocations Document for Bookham Holistic approach - allocate land and set out policies to steer development Simple or Complicated “ We only see our own vulnerability to change, but we need to seize this opportunity for enhancement” Bookham Resident, February 2011.