Residents are invited to have their say on the second version of the joint Neighbourhood Plan which includes allocations for housing and employment and protecting green areas between the town and villages or ‘green wedges.’
The reviewed draft plan updates some existing policies and provides some new policies. Once adopted, these policies must be used when considering planning applications in both the parishes of Melksham Town and Melksham Without.
The consultation period will run for eight weeks and started on Thursday 20th June. It ends on Thursday 15th August.
Last year, many residents would have shared their views on the first version of the Neighbourhood Plan. Clerk for Melksham Without Parish Council, Teresa Strange says, “All previous comments submitted to the 2023 consultation are still valid, and are being taken into consideration. There is no need to submit these comments to us again.”
As part of this consultation, the joint team are seeking comments on two specific policies; five allocations of land for housing, and green wedges, the areas between the town and villages. There are also updates as a result of public comments received from the previous consultation.
Teresa said, “Since the 2023 consultation, significant further work has been done to proposed site allocations at Melksham and Whitley in response to feedback. In addition, despite local opposition, outline planning permission was granted through appeal for 210 dwellings and a 70-bed care home on Land South of Western Way. Our updated plans therefore propose its allocation to make these numbers count, minimise harm the development may cause, and maximise the community benefits it delivers.”
Later this month drop-in consultation sessions are due to be held, giving residents the chance to view the plans and ask questions.
These will be held on Friday 19th July, 4pm-7pm at Melksham Community Campus (past the cafe area), Market Place, SN12 6ES; Saturday 20th July at 11am-2pm at Shaw Village Hall, The Beeches, Shaw, SN12 8EW, and Tuesday 23rd July 5pm-8pm at Bowerhill Village Hall, Halifax Road, Bowerhill. SN12 6SN
The draft plan and associated material are online at: www.melkshamneighbourhoodplan.org
Hard copies of the plan can also be collected from Melksham Town Hall; Melksham Without Parish Council at the Campus; Melksham Campus (Library); and Sprockets Café at Spindles Bike Shop, Top Lane, Whitley.
Updated areas of the plan are indicated with a yellow strip at the side of the page, and “updated” symbol.
Comments about the plan, stating clearly which policy your comments relates to, can be sent via email contact@melkshamneighbourhoodplan.org Alternatively, drop off any views in writing to the town hall in the Market Place, or the parish council office at the campus.
“Any person or organisation may comment on the plan,” says Teresa. “All representations must be received by either Melksham Town Council or Melksham Without Parish Council no later than midnight on Thursday 15th August 2024.
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