Eden in Cumbria has become the first area in England to vote through a new-look neighbourhood plan.
A local referendum held on 7 March saw an overwhelming majority of those polled (over 90 per cent) backing the plan. The turnout for the referendum was 34 per cent.
As a result the Upper Eden Neighbourhood Plan (covering Brough Parish and 16 surrounding parishes in East Cumbria) will now go forward to be formally included as part of Eden District Council’s Development Plan at a full council meeting on 11 April 2013.
Key elements of the plan include greater provision for affordable homes by allowing more conversions of farm buildings and better broadband internet connections.
Eden District Council’s leader Gordon Nicolson, said: ‘I am delighted that the residents of Upper Eden have decided by a significant majority to endorse the Upper Eden Community Plan. This is the first plan in the country. I do hope that local people will now submit planning applications and we look forward to dealing with them.’
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said: ‘This really is localism in action and a fantastic result for people in Upper Eden who have worked hard to make sure they are in the driving seat by deciding what’s best for their community.’
Planning Minister Nick Boles said: ‘The people of Eden have started a quiet revolution which we want to see spreading right across the country. They have had a direct say in setting out their vision for how their area should develop and deciding how they want to meet local challenges.’
More than 500 communities are now involved in neighbourhood plans. The next one to reach the referendum stage is the draft plan for Thame in Oxfordshire which has just successfully passed its independent examination. It will go to the vote on 2 May 2013.
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