Carbon neutrality and housing highlighted in first steps to new Local Plan
Last week Winchester City Council held its first online interactive public event on the Strategic Issues and Priorities document, which represents the initial consultation stage in the development of the new Local Plan.
Following a presentation by Adrian Fox, Strategic Planning Manager, questions were posed to a panel of the project team and Cabinet Member for Built Environment and Wellbeing, Cllr Jackie Porter.
Key issues covered by the consultation were discussed during the session including Carbon Neutrality, Biodiversity and the Natural Environment, Conserving and Enhancing the Historic Environment, Homes for All, Creating a Vibrant Economy, Promoting Sustainable Transport and Active Travel, and Living Well.
This was the first public session to take place as part of the consultation during this initial stage in the development the new Local Plan. The plan will help shape future development in the city, market towns, villages and countryside, so the council is seeking comments from a wide range of residents, charities and businesses to feed into the process.
There are more general sessions with an event tonight (9 March) at 7pm alternatively 10am on 12 March, or 10.30am on 20 March, and events focusing on Living Well and Carbon neutrality.
Sign up via the new Local Plan website www.localplan.winchester.gov.uk
The website includes all the consultation documents and links to take part in a short survey and to complete a comprehensive feedback questionnaire.
Winchester City Council Cabinet Member for Built Environment and Wellbeing, Cllr Jackie Porter said:
“These online consultation sessions will help shape and develop the Local Plan. All comments that are made, and questions raised, will be carefully considered.
“By joining in, people really can make a difference to decisions that will affect all our lives. The feedback shared during the first the session was really interesting. For anyone who missed it, there are more opportunities to get involved coming soon and I invite everyone with an interest in the district to register for a place, join in the conversation and help create our plan for the future.”