Frome Town Council is delighted to confirm that on Monday 11 April, Mendip District Council’s Cabinet resolved to send the Frome Neighbourhood Plan to public referendum.
Just like the upcoming EU referendum voting in the Neighbourhood Plan referendum would involve going to a polling station and answering a question with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’, by marking a box on a ballot paper. It is anticipated that the referendum will take place in October 2016. Once a date has been confirmed further details will be posted.
While the Neighbourhood Plan has been led by the Town Council, the process has involved hundreds of local people and so long as the referendum response is positive, it will influence for the better all new development in the town for years to come.
Reflecting on the benefits for the town, Cllr Pippa Goldfinger, Chair of the Planning Advisory Group said, ‘The Plan will enable a better choice of housing, better safeguards for employment sites, improvements to the river corridor, the town centre and the design of new development generally. In addition, having a Neighbourhood Plan in place will allow Frome to receive 25% of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL – a tariff on new developments) when it is introduced.’
Details of modifications to the Neighbourhood Plan can be found here or can be viewed at the following locations:
- Mendip District Council Offices, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet BA4 5BT
(Opening hours: 8.30 am – 5.00 pm (Mon – Fri)) - Frome Town Council offices, 5, Palmer Street, Frome
(Opening hours: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm (Mon – Thurs) & 9.00 am – 4.30 pm (Fri)) - Frome Information Centre, based in Frome Library, Justice Lane, Frome, BA11 1BE
(Opening hours: 9.30 am to 5.00 pm Mon – Fri and Sat 9.30 – 4.00pm)
At the FTC meeting on Wednesday 27 April, councillors will receive a more detailed briefing on what the Plan means for the town and the preparations that will be made for the referendum. Members of the public and press are welcome. The meeting starts at 7 pm and will be held at Selwood Academy.
Any queries regarding the Frome Neighbourhood Plan should be directed to Jane Llewellyn, Planning & Development Officer at llewellynj@frometowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01373 475578.
