Bishop's Stortford submits application for the designation of a Neighbourhood Area

The application is the first stage in the process which would allow Bishop's Stortford to develop a Neighbourhood Plan, setting out where the local community want development to take place in their local area.

The Town Council has applied for the areas including Silver Leys and Meads Ward to be designated as a Neighbourhood Area.

"In the opinion of the Town Council the formulation of a Neighbourhood Plan for this area is timely in view of the likelihood that planning applications will shortly be submitted for areas of special restraint and will provide a structured forum for engagement of community representatives in the planning process and with both developers," the application letter said (1-Page / 426MB PDF).

The application is being made under powers and procedures set out in the new neighbourhood planning regulations that came into force on 6 April under the Localism Act. If adopted at referendum, the Neighbourhood Plan would become part of the local statutory development plan and would form the basis for determining planning applications in that area. 

If a designation is made of the "Bishop's Stortford Neighborhood Area" no other organisation or body may be designated for that neighbourhood area until that designation expires or is withdrawn.

"Neighbourhood Plans will have real teeth because they will be used alongside the council's District Plan when we take decisions about planning applications," said Mike Carver, Bishop's Stortford Town Council executive member for strategic planning and transport. "The council is keen to hear your views before taking a decision so please take this opportunity to comment - especially if you live in Silverleys or Meads."

Comments are invited on the application for designation as a Neighbourhood Area until 24 August.