Have your say on possible neighbourhood plan for Buxton

Buxton could be designated a neighbourhood area under proposals being put forward by a group of local residents – and the borough council is asking what people think of the plans.

Public consultation on both the area of the town to be included and the establishment of a Neighbourhood Forum to take the proposals forward, is open until 5pm on Tuesday, January 12.

Neighbourhood planning was introduced by the Localism Act 2011 and is aimed at giving members of the community a voice in determining the future development of the area in which they live.

Once a Plan is prepared – and then adopted by High Peak Borough Council – it becomes part of the High Peak Development Plan and is taken into account when planning applications in the area are considered.

Cllr Anthony Mckeown, Leader of the Council, said: “Proposals for neighbourhood plan areas are usually brought forward by the town or parish council for that area but, in this case, there isn’t one for Buxton.

“That’s why the establishment of a Neighbourhood Forum is being proposed. 

“It’s at a very early stage, so we want to hear what people think of both the setting up of the forum to take this forward and the suggested area to be covered by the neighbourhood plan.

“It’s just these two core elements that we’re seeking comments on for now – if the neighbourhood area designation and the forum are agreed, the group can then start the process of preparing a neighbourhood plan. 

“That will involve further public consultation so people will have more chances to get involved at that time.”

The application can be viewed on the borough council’s website - www.highpeak.gov.uk/Buxton-Neighbourhood-Area-and-Forum

Comments can be made directly online using a simple webform or you can download a Word version of the form. 

You can also email neighbourhoodplanning@highpeak.gov.uk or write to Planning Policy, High Peak Borough Council, Town Hall, Market Place, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6EL.

Main image:

Shoppers in Buxton town centre, before the coronavirus crisis. Photo credit: Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership and Derbyshire County Council.