Villagers to vote on parish blueprint

Like every other parish and district council across the country, Loxwood Parish Council has been working on its blueprint for future development.

Over the past three years a steering group has held workshops and open days asking people about tourism, traffic, housing, infrastructure and flood risk in the village.

Chichester District Council (CDC) and West Sussex County Council were also consulted.

Following an independent examination, the final stage of the Neighbourhood Plan process will be a village referendum on Thursday July 24.

A 50 per cent majority of those voting is required for the plan to succeed and once adopted the Loxwood Neighbourhood Plan will form part of CDC’s local plan.

Tony Colling chairman of the steering group said: “The Loxwood Neighbourhood Plan represents local democracy in action.

“Our mission is to maintain Loxwood as a semi-rural parish, yet one which welcomes incremental change that will sustain and enhance its facilities and contribute to a greater sense of community and neighbourliness.”

As the plan has gone through the various stages it has grown to influence the outcome of planning applications.

Just last month a planning application for 25 houses on land south of Loxwood Farm Close (the Moat site) was refused, as it was not one of the sites allocated for development within the Neighbourhood Plan.

Nick Thomas vice chairman of Chichester District Council said: “The Moat application was refused in a unanimous planning committee decision. Great credit to Loxwood PC group who prepared the neighbourhood plan.

“It was a landmark decision which will influence future neighbourhood plans around the country.”

The referendum will be held and North Hall, Loxwood, between 7am and 10pm on Thursday July 24. Residents can view it on the parish council’s website www.loxwoodpc.co.uk