FAQs

The Steering Group hope that this section will help you understand some of the background and terms used whilst developing the Great Waldingfield Neighbourhood Plan. 

WHAT IS A NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN (NP)?

The NP is the way we can shape the development of our village in the future as well as ensuring that the village has the amenities required for our growing community.  It is a land use plan that will be used to determine planning applications up until 2036, which will be both part of the development plan and the policy for determining planning applications.  Once adopted by Babergh, the NP has the same status as the Local Plan.

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN? LOCAL PLAN?

Babergh prepares a Local Plan for the whole district.  Your Neighbourhood Plan will cover Great Waldingfield parish.  Your Neighbourhood Plan has to be in ‘general conformity’ with Babergh’s Local Plan.

WHAT CAN A NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN COVER?

It cannot cover strategic matters such as housing and employment targets, including affordable housing targets, or very large (“Strategic”) sites.  Otherwise, it can cover pretty much everything else.

WHAT HAPPENS TO PLANNING APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED BEFORE THE NP IS COMPLETE?

They are determined by Babergh against the existing Local Plans and Policies.

WHAT IS THE STEERING GROUP?

The Steering Group consists of 4 parish councillors and 4 residents who have been appointed by the Parish Council to engage with the residents of Great Waldingfield to develop a NP.  It is supported by a group of residents in order to ensure that as many people in Great Waldingfield have the opportunity to take part in the engagement and development of the NP.

WHAT DOES THE STEERING GROUP DO?

Gathers evidence, suggests options and engages with wider community.  It DOES NOT make decisions about what goes in the final Neighbourhood Plan – the community of Great Waldingfield does.

HOW IS THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN AGREED?

Once the plan has been agreed by Babergh, a referendum will be called for all residents in the village to vote Yes or No to the NP.  To be adopted by residents, it requires 50% + 1 of the votes cast at the referendum.

HOW MANY HOUSES WILL BE BUILT IN GREAT WALDINGFIELD?

There will be new housing built in Great Waldingfield, even with a NP, however, at this point of time no numbers are known.  As the NP is developed the number of houses that Babergh expect Great Waldingfield to take as part of the Local Plan will be factored into the NP.

HOW WILL THE COMMUNITY GAIN BY TAKING PART?

You will “Shape the Plan” for housing, infrastructure and amenities within the village and ensure that the village will be fit for purpose to the requirements of its residents.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?  WHAT WILL IT DO IF YOU TAKE PART?

You will ensure that your views on how the village develops over the next 20 years are taken into account and that the requirements of your children, your parents and you form part of the plan.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO TO TAKE PART?

It could be as simple as voting at the referendum.  However, the more input you provide the emerging NP process the more likely that you will have a village that lives up to your expectations.  There will be plenty of opportunities for you to engage with the process so please keep in touch via the Support Group, the NP Page on the Parish Council website, the GW Facebook page, GW Village News and notice boards.

WHY SURNAME & POST CODE IN RESPONSES TO THE STEERING GROUP?

It is important that the Steering Group engage with residents and record the feedback that is given during the process to develop a NP.  GWPC will be able to check this information against the Electoral Roll and then analyse responses by areas of the village, when required.

If you have any further questions please contact the Steering Group