Delight at nomination for community planning work

The Council’s work on the Saddington Parish Neighbourhood Plan has been nominated in the Neighbourhood Planning category at the prestigious Planning Awards 2019 which celebrate “excellence in planning and placemaking.”

The nomination recognises Saddington Parish Neighbourhood Forum’s innovative and original approach to protection and enhancement of the environment for the benefit of people, wildlife and character of the village.

Competing with the Saddington Parish Neighbourhood Plan, in the same category, are the Camley Street Neighbourhood Plan in London, and Holbeck and Walton Neighbourhood Plans in Leeds.

The winners will be announced on Tuesday 4 June 2019 at a ceremony at the Royal Institute of British Architects headquarters in London.

Chris Carter, Chairman of Saddington Parish Neighbourhood Forum, said: “It is very gratifying to be on the planning awards shortlist as this award acknowledges the value of preparing a Neighbourhood Plan, and the determination of the Neighbourhood Forum in collaboration with the Council.”

In 2014, Harborough District Council made history when Broughton Astley became the first village in the East Midlands to have its neighbourhood plan adopted.

Since then, more villages in the Harborough district have brought forward their own neighbourhood plans – supported all the way by the district council.

Last month, Arnesby’s neighbourhood plan became the 20th to be adopted following a referendum.

Neighbourhood planning is a way for communities to help decide the future of the places where they live and work.  After submission, independent examination and agreement by the Council, a referendum is held and villagers go to the polls to decide whether to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to their neighbourhood plan.

In 2018, Harborough District Council, together with partners Enzygo, were successful at the same awards scooping a Plan-Making award for their cemetery and burial strategy.

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