Lambourn neighbourhood plan approved for consultation
The decision was made at Full Council on 14 May.
West Berkshire Council has approved the Lambourn Neighbourhood Development Plan to move forward to public consultation.
The plan has been prepared by Lambourn Parish Council with support from local volunteers. It sets out planning policies to guide development in the parish up to 2041, reflecting local priorities while protecting Lambourn's rural character, environment and heritage.
Following consultation, the plan will undergo independent examination.
As part of the process, residents, businesses and stakeholders are being invited to have their say through a six-week public consultation, which opens on 18 May and ends on 30 June. Feedback from the consultation will be considered as part of the independent examination.
Neighbourhood Development Plans are an important way for communities to shape development in their area. Once adopted, they form part of the statutory development plan and are used to help decide planning applications. This supports the Council's priority of empowering communities and strengthening local decision-making.
The Lambourn plan focuses on conserving the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, enhancing biodiversity, managing flood risk, supporting the local economy and ensuring new housing meets local needs while remaining in keeping with the character of the parish.
Councillor Denise Gaines, Executive Member for Planning and Housing, said:
"Neighbourhood Development Plans put local people at the heart of planning decisions. The Lambourn plan reflects the time, care and commitment of the community in setting out a positive vision for the future of their parish.
"We want residents to have a real say in how their area develops, and I would encourage everyone in Lambourn to take part in the consultation and help shape what happens next."
West Berkshire Council has a strong track record of supporting Neighbourhood Development Plans, with adopted plans already in place in Cold Ash, Compton, Hermitage, Hungerford and Stratfield Mortimer, helping communities guide development in ways that reflect local needs.
Find out more and take part in the consultation at https://www.westberks.gov.uk/lambourn-np-reg-16-consultation.
