Community involvement is ‘critical’ to creation of Neighbourhood Plan

People of the Sid Valley are being urged to get involved with shaping the future of their community and make a contribution to be proud of.

The creation of a Neighbourhood Plan is now well under way and the newly-formed steering group aims to reflect the make-up and values of the town. However, members say residents’ involvement is still ‘critical’ to the process.

The £46,000 project is expected to take around 18 months to complete and – once adopted – will provide a legal framework that will influence all future planning in Sidmouth, Sidford, Sidbury and Salcombe Regis.

Over the summer, the steering group will seek to consult with the wider community in order to shape the contents of the Neighbourhood Plan.

Members are hosting an ‘exciting series of information cafes’ and will also have a presence at all major events in the region, including FolkWeek, Sidmouth Regatta, the Tour of Britain, and numerous smaller fetes and outdoor events.

The chairman of the steering group, Deirdre Hounsom, said: “I really hope that people will feel that they are a major part of this process and that when the plan is approved they will be proud of their contribution towards the future of this beautiful valley and coastline.”

She added that there will be special events held for young people and children of the Sid Valley ‘who will be the main beneficiaries of a well-written and carefully researched Neighbourhood Plan’.

A competition was launched last week to ask primary school children to design the logo for the entire project. The steering group has applied for a grant from the Community Development Foundation to cover the expense of events, publicity and advice.

The chairman of Sidmouth Town Council, Jeff Turner, said: “This project is important to the whole of the Sid Valley community and the make-up of the steering group reflects that.

“The success of the steering group’s work and the final Neighbourhood Plan depends critically on the involvement of the wider community.

“There will be many opportunities through consultation events, questionnaires and surveys for all members of the community to air their views on the finer details and to have an influence on the development of our valley over the next 20 years. I would encourage everyone to get involved as much as possible.

“Please join in and make this a success for the Sid Valley.”

Further information on the Neighbourhood Plan is available in the Herald, on notice boards and on the Sidmouth Town Council website: www.sidmouth.gov.uk