REVIEW OF CURRENT HOLWELL NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN – DECEMBER 2020

In late 2020 a light-touch review of the plan commenced to check that the plan was still relevant and appropriate.

The changes themselves are relatively modest – largely:

  1. Updates to the introductory pages to include information on the outcome of the previous examination, and the making of the plan
  2. A new section inserted in the introduction to explain the process for reviewing the plan
  3. Updates to the section on housing to reflect the withdrawal of the bus service, planning applications that have been approved since the plan was examined, the current number of households on the affordable housing register and the emerging housing target for the area in the new Local Plan
  4. Policy H1 has been amended to remove the Westbourne plot (now under construction) from the list of available sites
  5. Policy H3 has been amended to reference the occupation of the 14 affordable homes on the Crouch Lane site, for clarity
  6. The section on community facilities has been updated to reference the new recreation field at the Village hall, and also acknowledge the impact of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic has adversely impacted use of the hall and nursery.
  7. Changes are also proposed to the policies map to reflect the above.

A formal period of consultation will start on 14th December 2020 and a feedback form is available which we encourage all who live and work in the parish to complete so we have your feedback on the review draft.

The plan document and associated documents and appendices are available to view by following visiting the Supporting Information Page.

Paper copies of the documents are available to view and we plan to offer appointments in the Village Hall under all relevant COVID precautions.  If this doesn’t work for you, please call Sally-Anne on 01963 23349 to arrange an alternative way to view them.

You can download the papercopy to hand in by clicking here.

Contact details

Email to holwellneighbourhoodplan@gmail.com

You can also call the following people:

  • Sally-Anne Holt on 01963 23349
  • Bruce Duncan on 01963 23180
  • Steve Atchison on 01963 23305

WHY ARE WE REVIEWING THE PLAN?

The current council, Dorset Council, stated in March 2020 that they still do not have provision of land to cover 5 years’ housing need therefore, where a Neighbourhood Plan is more than 2 years old, planners will no longer give weight to it when they make planning decisions.

The Parish Council decided to review the current plan to ensure that is updated and therefore less than 2 years old and so the wishes of residents of Holwell will be taken into account when planning decisions are made regarding the parish of Holwell.

If you have any questions, please let us know at holwellneighbourhoodplan@gmail.com

Mission Statement

Holwell Parish Council wishes to maintain Holwell Parish as a thriving rural community and to ensure its long-term future by working towards meeting the needs of those who wish to live and work in this community. A Neighbourhood Plan gives local people a genuine opportunity to be part of a community that will guide the future development, regeneration and conservation of their area by preparing a plan under the control and guidance of Holwell Parish Council.

It is a plan that the community of Holwell Parish produce and vote on that will give residents the opportunity to influence the future of the area through having a say into future development, regeneration and conservation. If it is adopted, then it becomes part of the Planning Policy for our parish.

The Parish Council set up a working group in 2013 who undertook some initial work on the Plan. However, this plan must be one that the community of Holwell produce and vote on, giving residents the opportunity to influence the future of the area. It can cover a broad agenda or just focus on a few key issues that concern the population of Holwell.

To maintain Holwell Parish as a thriving rural community and to ensure its long-term future by working towards meeting the needs of those who wish to live and work in this community

Strategic Objectives:

  1. To meet diverse local housing needs taking into account changing demographics and social requirements.
  2. To keep housing development to an agreed scale, of good quality and design, making use of materials that are appropriate, sustainable and complementary to neighbouring properties.
  3. To support existing business, encourage new enterprises and facilities which will enhance commercial effectiveness and employment opportunities.
  4. To preserve the long-term future of the area by retaining and, if possible, enhancing local services, infrastructure and facilities, promoting a safe and healthy community.
  5. To protect and enhance the natural, agricultural and built environment of the Parish including its landscape, built heritage, archaeological sites and wildlife habitats.
  6. To reduce vulnerability to the impact of severe weather i.e. flooding, etc.