“Where are we now?” – an update on Glastonbury’s Neighbourhood Plan

One thing I have learnt over the past six months or so is that Neighbourhood Planning is not a quick process – but perhaps that’s only to be expected when undertaking something that truly needs to involve as many people as possible; that will – eventually – become part of the statutory policies for the future development of our area; something with real legal force!

So – as David Bowie might say – “where are we now? ”

I couldn’t start this blog without mentioning the amazing Paul Sander-Jackson, who has been a major force-for-good on Glastonbury Town Council in support of the Neighbourhood Plan.  Elected in May 2015, Paul became Chair of Glastonbury’s Planning Committee and oversaw the initial Neighbourhood Planning steering group meetings – which researched the process and recommended that the council proceed with a Neighbourhood Plan.

Sadly, Paul had to stand down from the council at the end of March due to ill health. His expertise, mindfulness, and congenial nature will be sorely missed; his time as an elected member may have been short, but it leaves our community the opportunity to undertake a Neighbourhood Plan as its legacy.

As part of that legacy, I am delighted to report that in February, Glastonbury Town Council advertised the post of Neighbourhood Planning Officer – a post ‘responsible for all aspects of the neighbourhood planning process’ – and in March, recruited Gerard Tucker!

Gerard began working for Glastonbury on 3^rd May, and has already begun developing Glastonbury’s very own Neighbourhood Plan ‘road map’ – to help our community set out a positive vision for how we want Glastonbury to flourish and develop over the next twenty years!

The Neighbourhood Plan process [from Locality]

The first item on the agenda is the town’s official application to Mendip District Council to designate Glastonbury as a ‘Neighbourhood Area’, which will be followed by a period of publicity and consultation by the Planning Authority.

As the ‘Qualifying Body’, the Town Council has already begun to gather baseline information and evidence which will help determine the scope and complexity of the plan – such as housing need data, development viability considerations, environmental designations, and flood risk assessments.

In addition, I have provided Gerard with a whole host of Neighbourhood Planning material and information provided through the COM fund, and the considerable amount of data arising from my work on the Local Plan Part II consultation – which contains the main strategic policies for the district in general and Glastonbury in particular.

Once the Neighbourhood Area has been approved by Mendip – and the scope agreed – then it’s full steam ahead into the real purpose of the plan: to engage and consult with you; the people living and working in Glastonbury!

This will involve a whole host of activities, ranging from formal consultation events to questionnaires to the stalwart of all good community organising – knocking on doors and listening…

Let’s get planning !