Bishops Stortford Neighbourhood Plan for All Saints Central

Bishop’s Stortford Neighbourhood Plan for All Saints, Central, South and part of Thorley (“NP 2”) Team – Introduction 15 th July 2014 © Bishop’s Stortford Town Council

Neighbourhood Planning in Bishop’s Stortford n Plan 1 – Silverleys and Meads Ward n n Plan now created – with East Herts and out for consultation Due to be submitted for examination shortly If it passes examination, it will go to referendum end 2014/early 2015 Plan 2 – Central, All Saints, South and part of Thorley Parish n n n Whittington Way area included because it includes area where future development is planned (Draft District Plan) Neighbourhood Area designation applied for, awaiting confirmation from East Herts expected August Process is likely to take 12 to 18 months or more © Bishop’s Stortford Town Council

NP 2 Neighbourhood Area © Bishop’s Stortford Town Council

The Neighbourhood Plan process n Set a designated area n n Prepare and create the Plan based on evidence n n n Consult throughout the process Formal (Regulation 14) Consultation Independent Examination n Done, awaiting District Confirmation Examiner appointed by District Council with Town Council agreement Checks against legislative requirements Referendum and Adoption => statutory force © Bishop’s Stortford Town Council

Strawman Timetable © Bishop’s Stortford Town Council

Neighbourhood Planning n Introduced under the Localism Act 2011 n n Aims to provide greater public influence and involvement in the planning of their local area Can comprise n A Neighbourhood Development Plan n n sets out policies against which planning applications are assessed (in parallel with those in the Local or District Plan) A Neighbourhood Development Order or Community Development Order n grants planning permission for specified developments © Bishop’s Stortford Town Council

Limitations on Neighbourhood Planning n Plans must n n Have regard to national legislation and guidance (the NPPF and other guidance) be in general conformity with the strategic policies in the Local Plan Contribute to sustainable development Not breach with European Legislations (including the European Human Rights Act 1998) n n n May trigger an Strategic Environmental Assessment be prepared by the Parish or Town Council if one exists The Local Planning Authority n n n cannot control the Neighbourhood Plan process can (should) give information and help but is not obliged to do so Has a strictly proscribed role in relation to the plan © Bishop’s Stortford Town Council

Objectives as set out by Council n Primary objective: the engagement of the residents and other stakeholders to create a binding plan/policies which promote a desirable evolution for the Neighbourhood Area n n n (a) in the context of the assumption that development will occur substantially in line with the emerging District Plan and (b) which have regard to and sit comfortably with the policies in the current Neighbourhood Plan for Silverleys and Meads wards. Statutory Vehicle: a Neighbourhood Development Plan n However if it is considered that one or more Neighbourhood Development Orders or a Community Right to Build Order would be beneficial, these may be included later © Bishop’s Stortford Town Council

Emerging District Plan – Bishop’s Stortford © Bishop’s Stortford Town Council

Accountability and consultation n n Bishop’s Stortford Town Council is ultimately accountable Neighbourhood Plan Team n n n leads the development of the Neighbourhood Plan deals with consultation - consults others during the creation of the plan Records all contacts and consultation undertaken Documents relevant evidence leads the interest teams where appropriate Other statutory consultees n Will be consulted later in accordance with the regulations © Bishop’s Stortford Town Council

Team terms of engagement n Respect the Primary Objectives n n n Respect basic conditions Members are not indicating support for District Policies n n n Don’t feel obliged to volunteer for a task, but if you agree to do something please complete it Overseen by Council Task and Finish Group, Draft to be approved by Council n n No ‘filibustering’ or other techniques to delay progress, Respect the views of other members Do the Homework n n At least two thirds of ordinary meetings, No substitutes, Apologies to be given if not attending Positive and professional Cooperation expected n n Free to challenge them outside the activities of the team on condition that the publicity surrounding this does not undermine the Neighbourhood Plan Attendance expectations n n A binding plan/policies which result in desirable additions to the Town. Aim for completion! The work of Team will be overseen by the Neighbourhood Plan Task and Finish Group The Task and Finish Group will report periodically to Full Council on progress Approval of the Town Council required prior to submission for independent examination. Meeting format n n Combination, Formally chaired and more interactive workshops/brainstorming sessions Sub groups for key subject areas © Bishop’s Stortford Town Council

Law and guidance – documentation supplied n National n n n National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (on CD) Locality’s Roadmap Guide to Neighbourhood Planning plus ‘Quick Guide to Neighbourhood Plans’ Locality’s Guide ‘Keeping it Simple’ RCCE Neighbourhood Planning Guide (on CD) Local n n NP for Silverleys and Meads + Basic Conditions Statement East Herts Local Plan 2007 (existing saved policies) East Herts Draft District Plan Bishop’s Stortford Town Plan © Bishop’s Stortford Town Council

Recommended High level approach n n Focus on a Neighbourhood Development Plan (policies) Keep it Simple n n n Explore approaches resulting in the need for only limited documentation/policies which focus solely or principally on the key issues for the Neighbourhood Area Retain policies from first NP where appropriate Do not duplicate national or district policies © Bishop’s Stortford Town Council

Strawman Twin-Track Process n Track 1 – Renewed Public engagement, brainstorming & visioning n n Consider a new household questionnaire, other methods of engagement Track 2 – Review Silverleys and Meads ward plan n n What do we want to keep? What do we want to change? © Bishop’s Stortford Town Council

Strawman high level issues n Housing and Design n n Green spaces n n n n n Opportunities/business centre Support to local businesses Large employment site Communications technology infrastructure Special Geographic Areas n n Sports facilities Educational facilities Health facilities Business and Employment n n Traffic impact including impact elsewhere Entrances and exits, road infrastructure Community Transport Community Issues n n Impact on environment & wildlife, access, special areas Transport n n Housing Mix Sustainability, renewable sources Affordable accommodation for youngsters Goods Yard, Town Centre, BS South, Manor Links High Level Spatial Planning matters n Ensure development does not frustrate fourth quadrant of bypass, School/Housing swap? , Goods Yard link road, Civic Centre? © Bishop’s Stortford Town Council

Preparation for Next meeting n n Engaging the public constructively about development of Town – how and what questions? Identification of high level issues? © Bishop’s Stortford Town Council