The Government has changed the system by which local councils draw up their long term planning documents. They are still called ‘local development frameworks’ but instead of starting with national targets and requirements, they now start with local views about the nature and timing of development. It is still the Council’s job to take all these views and to produce a set of policies which are sensible given the issues we face.

Whilst we can be pleased to have local responsibility, it’s also a major challenge. Looking ahead ten or even twenty years what kind of places do we want to live in?  How do we allow them to change?  What matters most as we look into the future at the social and economic issues that affect us?

It’s a task we need to take very seriously and with an open mind. It cannot be right only to think about our own immediate interests or views. We have to think ahead and question the assumptions we might normally make. Because if we don’t get our planning right, the consequences may not only damage us but they may damage the communities we thought we were protecting.

The City Council has to produce its new plan next year because all of its old planning policies are getting out of date. We’ve called the process ‘Blueprint’ because the plan is just that - the instructions and guidance that will shape what our communities will look like in the future.

The City Council is committed to involving all of its communities in shaping their own future. Parish Councils large or small can participate as can any other local group such as the WI, church’s, youth groups, schools, local businesses, community and residents groups etc

All the details can be found on the dedicated website: www.community-blueprint.co.uk

And you can request a Blueprint pack on the Request a Pack page on the Blueprint website.

The consultation runs until 10 December 2010 so don’t leave it to late and get debating ‘Blueprint’ today.

LDF Cabinet Committee 6 October 2010

In addition to a report on Blueprint, the new LDF consultation, this committee will consider three further reports:

1. Adoption of interim policy aspirations  http://www.winchester.gov.uk/Documents/Committees/Cabinet/2000_2100/CAB2064LDF.pdf

2. Draft LDF Infrastructure Delivery Plan http://www.winchester.gov.uk/Documents/Committees/Cabinet/2000_2100/CAB2063LDF.pdf

3. Update on LDF Evidence Studies http://www.winchester.gov.uk/Documents/Committees/Cabinet/2000_2100/CAB2062LDF.pdf

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Winchester Town Access Plan

Winchester City Council has been working with Hampshire County Council to develop the draft Access Plan for Winchester. The Winchester Town Access Plan is a shared set of aims and priorities which seek to improve the way people can reach facilities and services spread throughout the town. The Plan along with other documents and policies will guide transport development within Winchester and its surrounding area over the next 20 years.
The plan follows on from the Winchester Movement and Access Plan that was developed in the early 1990s, and aims to preserve and enhance the town's streetscape whilst encouraging economic prosperity and improving accessibility for all.

As part of this process, we would like to hear your views on the draft plan. Consultation on the draft plan runs from 20 September to 14 November 2010.