Further neighbourhood planning areas are being considered in the area that was one of the first to adopt Localism powers.
Eden District Council writes:
Appleby has applied to Eden District Council to be designated as an area that has the power to make their own planning decisions.
Formal designation as a Neighbourhood Planning Area enables the local community to carry out their own development planning. They can produce a Neighbourhood Plan that determines how development will be allowed to take place in their area, and they can grant planning permission through Neighbourhood Development Orders.
This kind of neighbourhood planning was introduced under the Government’s Localism Act to give members of the community the option of having a more hands on role in the planning of their local area.
There has been a very strong interest in the Eden area with 26 parishes already having been given these powers and more in the pipeline. Upper Eden was also the first area in the country to get such a plan adopted.
Keith Morgan, an Appleby-in-Westmorland Town Councillor and an Eden District Councillor said: ‘Appleby’s character and townscape are significant features of its heritage. It is important that through community-led planning and designated area status, Appleby’s residents will be able to have a significant input into developing the town.’
Eden District Council’s Planning and Economy Portfolio, Councillor Malcolm Smith said: ‘Yet another example of local communities in Eden embracing the opportunities provided to them by the Localism Act. Eden is very happy to support parishes that want to play a more active part in planning decision making.’
