Whaley Bridge Neighbourhood Plan adopted by council

The Neighbourhood Plan for Whaley Bridge has now been 'made' - formally adopted - by High Peak Borough Council and forms part of the development plans used to determine planning applications in the town.

The Neighbourhood Plan has been developed by the town council, with support from the borough council, and input from local residents and businesses, community groups and statutory consultees.

It includes policies covering the town centre and economy, community facilities, residential development, heritage, Peak Forest Canal, Transhipment shed and canal basin, sustainable design, villages and rural settlements, natural environment, rural and landscape character, local green space, transport and movement, and active travel.

Neighbourhood Plans are subject to two rounds of public consultation, independent examination and a referendum before they can be adopted. The referendum in Whaley Bridge took place on 7 December last year when more than half of those who voted agreed to the plan being used to determine planning applications.

Councillor Godfrey Claff, executive councillor for Community Safety and Planning at the borough council, said: "We know local people are very interested in how their communities and neighbourhoods develop, and Neighbourhood Plans play an important role in giving local residents a voice in shaping that development by focusing on local issues.

"Following the referendum at the end of last year, we at the borough council have now formally adopted the plan which means it will be taken into consideration when determining planning applications in the area covered by the plan.

"A great deal of work goes into developing Neighbourhood Plans so I'm sure everyone who participated in developing it, and in consultations and the referendum, will be pleased that it is now officially part of the development plan for the High Peak."

You can view the Neighbourhood Plan on the borough council website or see a paper copy at Whaley Bridge Town Council, Mechanics Institute, Market Street, Whaley Bridge, SK23 7AA during normal office hours.