Limited number of spaces at focus group event in Kennaway House

Representatives from across the Sid Valley will have a unique chance to respond and contribute to emerging themes to shape the future of the community.

Herald readers are being offered a limited number of spaces to find out more about the Neighbourhood Plan, and how it will impact the lives of residents, at a special focus group meeting in Kennaway House next Friday, January 27.

Driving forces behind the community-led project say it is vital to hear from a true cross-section of people to ensure themes – from the natural environment and culture to transport and economic resilience – are reflective of the parish.

Chairman of the Sid Valley Neighbourhood Plan steering group Dee Hounsom said: “This gives a cross-section of people in the Sid valley the first chance to give their reaction on the proposed ideas that will make up the Neighbourhood Plan.

“This is the only focus group we will be holding and is therefore a unique opportunity for those with ideas and opinions to contribute to get a briefing on the outcome of our survey results to date - and to discuss the seven key themes that have emerged.”

Steering group member Peter Murphy added: “2017 is the year in which the Neighbourhood Plan really takes shape. We have completed and analysed two of the three surveys we undertook last year and analysis of the most recent, the Young People’s Survey, should be completed during February.”

Feedback and ideas put forward at the session will help shape a second residents’ survey that will be sent out to all households in Sidmouth, Sidbury, Sidford and Salcombe Regis this springtime.

The responses from this questionnaire will feed into a draft Neighbourhood Plan which, once adopted, will help shape developments in the parish for the next 20 years and beyond. A referendum will be held towards the end of the year.

Four panel members, including an architect and transport planner, have been invited to help capture the evidence needed to shape policies as the plan enters the next stages of preparation.

A morning session will take place from 10am to 1pm, followed by an afternoon workshop from 2pm to 5pm. Refreshments and a buffet lunch will be provided for attendees at each session.

Anyone interested in attending can apply by emailing sidvalleyplan@yahoo.co.uk, but spaces are limited.