Local people are being invited to share their views about priorities for Melksham and the surrounding area over the next decade.
A steering group has been established to produce a Neighbourhood Plan to cover the area within the Melksham Town and the Melksham Without Parish Councils boundaries and local residents are being asked to get involved.
“Don’t miss this opportunity to influence how Melksham will develop over the next decade,” said Nick Westbrook, part of the steering group.
“A Neighbourhood Plan is a community-led statutory document, which gives a local community better control over future land use development; ensures additional funding for amenities and facilities in local areas; and tells developers what and where they can and cannot build within a designated plan area.
“The steering group has decided the immediate task is to produce a ‘scoping’ document with criteria against which local development proposals can be judged.”
To achieve this, local people and organisations are invited to share their ideas for the future:
1. By dropping in at an Open House event at the Assembly Hall on Friday 27th March (2.00pm to 7.00pm) and Saturday 28th March (10.00am to 2.30pm); and / or
2. By contributing ideas to thematic task groups set up to look at housing; employment and economy; health and well-being; transport; and education and lifelong learning
“Some issues, such as the environment and leisure, cross over into more than one theme,” continued Nick. “It is our future – and everyone is welcome to have a say. We are very interested in hearing from anyone willing to help us collect information or share their experiences, ideas and views about these themes. Some great ideas have already been suggested.
“Feedback from groups and residents about their priorities to promote Melksham as a great place to live, work and visit over the coming years include: a) creating more job opportunities locally; b) restoring treatment facilities at Melksham Hospital; c) completing the Melksham campus; d) the re-creation of the Wilts and Berks canal through the town; e) improving rail and road transport, and car parking; f) and finding small or ‘brown field’ sites for at least 600 local houses.
“We look forward to seeing you at the Open House event or receiving your comments on the suggested themes. For more details or to offer help, please contact us on mnpsg@mail.com.”
