A six-week consultation on a neighbourhood plan which will guide all future developments in the Pannal and Burn Bridge area near Harrogate is under way.
It is the last chance for local people to have their say on how the area around the two villages will be shaped going forward.
The Pannal and Burn Bridge Neighbourhood Plan, which has been drawn up by the local parish council, is the first such document sent out for consultation by the new North Yorkshire Council. If approved, it will be considered alongside the local plan in all future planning applications.
It has already been the subject of local surveys – but this new consultation is the last before it goes for independent examination.
Those surveys aimed to ensure the plan reflects aspirations and concerns and showed that green area conservation was a prime factor, along with the need to address traffic pollution and parking congestion around the school.
“We realise the villages need to grow, but we trust that any future development will be in keeping with the local area,” said Pannal and Burn Bridge Parish Council Chair, Howard West. “We want to retain and cherish the rural character of our villages while still catering for our future employment and residential needs. Village protection is at the heart of this plan and we urge people to make sure they have had their say.”
Executive member for open to business, Cllr Derek Bastiman, said: “Neighbourhood plans are an important part of the planning process, allowing communities to help shape their area and therefore guide future developments. North Yorkshire Council has to consult on the plan the parish council has submitted and we are calling on people to express their views before it goes for final examination.”
The consultation runs until Wednesday, 31 May. View the documents and comment forms and submit representations.
Alternatively, the comment form can be downloaded and comments sent to PlanPolicy.har@northyorks.gov.uk or Planning Policy, North Yorkshire Council, PO Box 787, Harrogate HG1 9RW.
See future updates and information on earlier stages of preparing the plan.