Hackleton Parish Neighbourhood Plan
Steering Group Update
Not so much to report this month. We have been furnishing the people doing the Housing Needs and Site Assessments with information they require, but there is nothing to report so far. We have a duty to reveal every site that has been put forward for possible development, so that we cannot be accused of concealing information from developers and the public. Once the Sites Assessment is complete we will have to ascertain from landowners which sites are still ‘live’. Then, when we have the results of the HNA we will have to come to a decision on which sites to present in our draft plan and to the public.
Alongside this we are looking at other aspects of the Plan, biodiversity, views, open spaces and wedges, and buildings (and other things) of special interest which are unlisted. These will have an impact on which sites we choose to present. At this point, it will be proper to make a presentation to the full parish council, to explain our thinking and receive your thoughts.
The big question hanging over everything at the moment – including those at SNC – is the unknown impact of reorganisation. And, beyond that, government can change the situation as it chooses. These are uncertain times, but the Neighbourhood Plan is the best defence we have – especially as those two massive sites between Wootton Fields and Preston Deanery could return once SNC is no longer in existence. I am of the opinion that future Unitary Council members from the Borough will find that area irresistible, despite massive highways, ecological, archaeological and infrastructure issues.
I would like to reiterate our stance, however, that the Plan is not a ‘nimby’ project; we are trying to provide a better future for the whole community of Hackleton Parish.
Roy Hawkesford
Chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group