North Norfolk village prepares for referendum on future of planning decisions
Corpusty, between Aylsham and Holt. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY - Credit: © ARCHANT NORFOLK PHOTOGRAPHIC
A north Norfolk village is preparing to vote on whether its vision for the future will be used to decide planning applications.
People in Saxthorpe and Corpusty can help shape future developments in the twin villages. Picture: Google Maps - Credit: Archant
Corpusty and Saxthorpe will be the first neighbourhood planning group in north Norfolk to vote on whether the district council uses it to help make decisions.
The referendum will be held on Thursday, March 7, at the Corpusty and Saxthorpe village hall.
Polling will open at 7am and close at 10pm.
Voters will be asked: 'Do you want North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) to use the neighbourhood plan for Corpusty and Saxthorpe to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?'
READ MORE: Referendum on backing villages' neighbourhood plan is called
If more than 50pc of voters choose 'yes', the council will formally adopt the village's plan into the development plan for north Norfolk.
Karen Ward, NNDC's planning policy portfolio holder, said: 'Neighbourhood plans are a valuable part of the planning system which enable residents a stronger voice in how their community grows and develops.
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'I am delighted that Corpusty and Saxthorpe's hard work and perseverance has paid off.'
Georgie Perry-Warnes, councillor for Corpusty, said: 'I very much support the idea of localism.
'Imogen Waterson and Tony Barnett have worked very hard to produce a neighbourhood plan that ensure that the people of Corpusty and Saxthorpe have a say in their future developments.
'It's a very exciting time for me and our community.'
John Rest, leader of NNDC's independent group said: 'I would encourage all people that are eligible to vote to do so.
'A lot of work is put into preparing these neighbourhood plans, and a referendum vote will show which way local people want to proceed.'
And Imogen Waterson, chair of Corpusty and Saxthorpe parish council, said: 'The policies in the plan will allow more housing - up to 50 houses - within the new settlement boundary, which will help to ensure the future of the school, pub and local businesses, while preserving the character, open spaces and beauty of the villages.'
For more information about the neighbourhood plan, it can be viewed on the council's website.
