Village votes through Neighbourhood Plan

By Friday 17 January 2014 Updated: 17/01 13:04

THE residents of Broughton Astley have voted overwhelmingly in support of its Neighbourhood Plan that will define the village's development.

A referendum held on Thursday saw 89 per cent of those who voted voting yes. The turnout was 38 per cent with 2,747 votes cast.

It needed more than 50 per cent of those who voted to vote yes for the plan to be formally adopted.

Parish council chairman Clive Grafton-Reed said: "It is fair to say we have made history for Broughton Astley.

"Many residents have been involved in the process of developing the Neighbourhood Plan already and the YES vote has confirmed that the majority support their view.

"I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who have supported the plan along its journey so far and I hope this will encourage many more to get directly involved in the future.

"Now that it has been passed by the referendum, it will be used along with the district council’s Core Strategy as the starting point for determining all planning applications within the parish of Broughton Astley.

"It will shape our village and all of our lives for generations to come."

The plan - the first of its kind in the East Midlands - sets out preferred sites for housing, employment and leisure facilities over the next 20 years.