VILLAGERS in Seming-ton are having their say on a Neighbourhood Plan which will guide development of the village over the next 15 years.
The draft plan – which was launched for consultation on Thursday 1st February – proposes a much-wanted village shop as part of a new development of up to 40 homes.
It calls for a green buffer to prevent development along the Kennet and Avon Canal, one of several policies to protect local landscapes, green spaces and wildlife.
The plan supports improvements to the area’s patchy wi-fi and mobile phone coverage to help businesses and people working from home. Other policies aim to enhance local facilities, improve the energy efficiency of new and existing buildings and support appropriate projects for renewable energy.
“People love Semington’s actively rural character and don’t want to be swallowed up by an expanding Trowbridge or Melksham,” says Semington Parish Council chairman Peter Smith. “We think we’ve struck the right balance between preserving our past and building a sustainable future.”
Villagers are able to give their views until the consultation closes on Friday 15th March. An online survey on the parish council website www.semington.org.uk will measure the response, with a printed version also available.
The results will feed into the finished plan which will be submitted to Wiltshire Council. Once it has been examined by the council and by an independent assessor, villagers will vote in a referendum on whether to adopt it.
For further information contact Peter Smith on 01380 870888.
