Monthly Archives: October 2013

Neighbourhood Planning Grants Unaffected By Rising Demand

  We know a number of you have been concerned by some of the headlines you have read about the grant support funding provided by DCLG through Locality – see Planning. Let us reassure you. This is a bit of a good news, bad news story. The really good news is that the grant programme is unaffected. So if you want to secure up to £7,000 to support your neighbourhood plan work there is nothing stopping you. The other good news is that the desire to neighbourhood plan continues to grow and demand for some elements of Locality’s direct support are over-subscribed – so groups wishing to apply for this type of help may have to wait longer than expected … Continue reading

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East Staffordshire Consults on Local Plan

After the approval of a number of controversial housing applications East Staffordshire Borough Council have begun consultation on their Pre-Submission Local Plan. The Plan proposes a policy framework to deliver growth in East Staffordshire including approximately 11,650 homes and 40 hectares of employment land by 2031. The Pre-Submission document is the version of the Local Plan that the Council intends to submit to the Secretary of State in spring 2014 for public examination. The consultation closes on the 29th of November 2013. The consultation documents are available here. For expert help with Local Plan consultation responses call 01282 872570.

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Kirkwells’ Neighbourhood Planning News October Issue Out Now!

The October issue of Kirkwells popular Neighbourhood Planning News is out now. October’s issue has stories on: Tattenhall compromise Daventry says no Oh No! Not another questionnaire Herefordshire training To get your copy email Michael. Make sure you do not miss a future issue – subscribe. Need support to produce your neighbourhood plan? Get expert help. Just call 01282 872570. Not sure what neighbourhood planning could mean for your area? Book one of our FREE training sessions.     ©Kirkwells Town Planners and Sustainable Development Consultants based at the Lancashire Digital Technology Centre in Burnley www.kirkwells.co.uk Research • Planning Policy • Site Search • Site Appraisal • Planning Applications •  Appeals • Sustainable Development • Urban Design • Masterplanning • Heritage Statements • Bids for Funding … Continue reading

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Kirkwells at Civic Voice AGM and Convention

Kirkwells will be speaking at the Civic Voice AGM and Conference in Liverpool on 26th of October 2013. Michael Wellock and Louise Kirkup will be whipping things up with workshop – “Neighbourhood Planning: Is It Really Power?” Not for the faint hearted Michael said: “We never fear to tread on a few toes, or tell it how we see it, and so, using real examples we will be trying to give our take on the current state of neighbourhood planning. Does neighbourhood planning really give more power to local communities? Does it mean less discretion for local planning authorities? How are developers and landowners responding to this new aspect of the planning system? And is it power for some – … Continue reading

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Outgunned? Expert Town Planning Support for Parish and Town Councils

When it comes to the planning system does your parish often feel the odds are stacked against it? Powerless and outgunned when faced with the proposals of developers, local landowners or the local planning authority? If things feel this way Kirkwells can help – we put our skills, knowledge and experience to work for you. With Kirkwells support you can make sure you face a fair fight. Whether you are trying to protect a greenfield, an open space, the local pub or promote the development your area needs Kirkwells can help you achieve your goals. And with our specially reduced fee rates this will be at a price you can afford. By choosing Kirkwells you will have the backing of … Continue reading

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Neighbourhood Planning Need Not Cost the Earth

One thing that frightens many of the parish and town councils we talk to about neighbourhood planning is the potential cost. Often they start off by saying “Well, we like the idea but the cost will run in to tens of thousands.” We are not sure where this has come from. Scaremongering? Misinformation? Wherever this comes from, our view is that for most neighbourhood plans the costs will be in the range of £4,000 to £15,000, rather than the hundred thousand mark. We can say this from our experience working on a variety of plans in a number of areas. We can also say this because we offer our expert planning advice at specially reduced rates to parish and town … Continue reading

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