Bromham Neighbourhood Plan Referendum – Please Read
Bromham residents can vote on Bromham’s Neighbourhood Plan on Thursday 6 May 2021 at Bromham Village Hall, Village Road, Bromham.
Bromham residents can vote on Bromham’s Neighbourhood Plan on Thursday 6 May 2021 at Bromham Village Hall, Village Road, Bromham.
The intention of this paper is to explain the potential outcomes in the event of either a majority in favour or a majority against the Neighbourhood Plan.
Bromham’s Neighbourhood Plan has been prepared over 4 years by a group of local volunteers and Parish Councillors. The plan is based on consultations with the residents of Bromham and took into account various planning factors. This means the areas agreed for development received the most support in the consultation exercises with residents. The Plan was written by residents from the local community who know the area, rather than the Local Authority (Bedford Borough Council).
In the absence of an adopted Neighbourhood Plan the responsibility for selecting sites to accommodate the 500 homes allocated to Bromham by Bedford Borough Council would transfer to Bedford Borough Council. i.e. Bedford Borough Council would be able to choose the location of new homes in Bromham.
The number of new homes to be built in Bedford Borough in the period to 2030 was determined by the government. Bedford Borough Council allocated this housing requirement throughout the Borough to obtain a fair and sensible distribution of development. Bromham was allocated 500 new homes. This number is not negotiable.
Neighbourhood Plan adopted at Referendum
In the event of there being a majority of residents in favour of the Neighbourhood Plan, it would be adopted by Bedford Borough Council. This would mean –
- Bedford Borough Council have to respect it and add it to their policies. e. new homes would be built where the majority of village residents agreed in response to the consultation exercises.
- new development would have new amenities (play areas etc) as set out in the Neighbourhood Plan
- Bromham Parish Council would receive 25% of the Community Infrastructure Levy developers would be required to pay to Bedford Borough Council as opposed to 15% if unadopted. This is money paid directly to Bromham Parish Council for use on amenities in our village.
Neighbourhood Plan unadopted at Referendum
If the majority of residents vote against the Neighbourhood Plan, it would not be adopted by Bedford Borough Council. This would mean –
- Bromham Parish Council and its residents would have no influence over the sites developed, the design of the houses, etc.
- The sites proposed in the Neighbourhood Plan may still be selected. For example, the site to the south of Stagsden Road has already been through Bedford Borough Council’s planning process.
- current proposals for play areas and open space could be changed.
- contributions from developers direct to Bromham will be limited to 15% not 25% of the Community Infrastructure Levy – more money will go to Bedford Borough Council rather than come to Bromham Parish Council to be spent in the community.
Please use your vote on 6 May 2021 to give your opinion on future development in Bromham. If you need further information please contact Bromham Parish Council, Tel 01234 828851, email: julie@bromhamparish.co.uk. Thank you.
Bromham Parish Council/Bromham Neighbourhood Plan Group