Whilst the Marlborough Area Neighbourhood Plan has still to go to referendum, having been held up for legal reasons for the past few months the Preshute Plan was put to referendum last week (Thursday 02 February) and the vote of residents was a resounding ‘yes’.
A high turnout for this type of vote (37% of all eligible residents cast a vote) with 88% of those casting a ‘yes’ vote. The Preshute Neighbourhood Plan now forms part of the Wiltshire Council Development Plan and the policies in the Plan will be given full weight when assessing planning applications that affect land in the Preshute Parish Council neighbourhood area.
Chair of Preshute Parish Council Cllr Peter Morgan told Marlborough.news: “This vote demonstrates the passion the community has for our environment and its many special qualities. We live in a spectacular landscape that has been recognised as being of national importance by its inclusion within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty since 1972.
“The Preshute Neighbourhood Plan balances the need to protect and conserve this landscape with the need to support our local businesses and encourage the re-use of derelict agricultural buildings. The Plan also provides for the new development of small business and affordable homes for local people on a small site on the Bath Road at Clatford.”
Prepared in just over two years by Preshute Councillors, experts and other local volunteers, there has been minimal cost to the Parish Council thanks to a small grant from the government, who support such initiatives.
Click here to view the Preshute Neighbourhood Plan.
Exploring the Minotaur and the Labyrinth at the Ashmolean Museum
