COUNCIL chiefs are urging residents to have their say on proposed plans for future development in Malvern.
The draft Malvern Town Neighbourhood Plan covers the period between 2015 and 2030 and sets out a vision and policies to guide development in the area defined by the boundaries of Malvern Town Council.
The draft Neighbourhood Plan includes policies to protect key views, community facilities and employment sites.
The plan proposes the designation of seven new Local Green Spaces and five Neighbourhood Heritage Areas.
It also seeks to ensure new development is appropriately designed and proposes all new development includes vehicle charging points.
Malvern Town Council has produced the document after working with the community and has now submitted it to Malvern Hills District Council for final public consultation which runs until Friday, December 21.
Once the consultation is completed, the document will be subject to an independent examination and if approved a referendum will be held.
If more than 50 per cent of voters in the parish area back the plan, it will become part of the statutory development plan for the Malvern Hills district, sitting alongside the South Worcestershire Development Plan, and will be used when determining planning decisions in the area.
Linda Blake, town clerk for Malvern Town Council, said: “This has been a real community-led project and hence has allowed the local community to play a stronger role in shaping and setting a positive vision to the development of Malvern over the next 12 years.”
Neighbourhood Plans are a key part of the Government’s localism agenda to give people more of a say on issues such as where new homes, shops and offices should be built and the design of new developments.
Coun Melanie Baker, portfolio holder for development and infrastructure on Malvern Hills District Council, added: “The Neighbourhood Plan will be a very important planning document which will help determine whether development proposals in Malvern are approved or not.
“Residents of Malvern are passionate about the future of their local area, the hills, its history and its legacy.
“As a Malvern resident myself, I share their passion and would urge the people of Malvern let us have their views on the plan and its proposals.”
Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/malvern-town-neighbourhood-plan to view the plan and download a consultation form.
Comments can also be emailed to [email protected].
Paper copies of the plan and response forms are also available to view at the libraries in Malvern, Tenbury Wells Library and Upton.
