WESTBURY’S Neighbourhood Plan is progressing a year on from the appointment of Phil McMullen as project coordinator.
Westbury Town Council and members of the public are undergoing research to draw up a document that sets out a shared vision, policies and proposals to shape the future growth and development of the town.
It allows people to have a say on where new homes, shops, businesses and community facilities should go and what they should look like. It cannot stop development, but it can guide or encourage further development.
Westbury Neighbourhood Plan aims to give people the power to shape the development and growth of our town in line with Wiltshire Council’s Local Plan to 2036.
Phil McMullen, alongside admin support for the Neighbourhood Plan steering group, Justine Cook, are particularly keen to hear from anyone in Westbury who has a special interest in employment, economy and education; design, development and housing; transport; health, leisure and wellbeing; the environment and the future use of the Leighton House site.
Councillors and members of the public who are part of the steering group have been speaking to people in the town about what they would like to see in Westbury.
Phil says, “The health, leisure and wellbeing group have been particularly busy, gathering useful information on various aspects of life in Westbury including lists of clubs and activities, as well as identifying community centres, care homes, childrens’ centres, dentists and health practitioners.
“The heritage group has met and identified the priorities, stakeholders and a proposed focus for their work; they will be visiting the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre in the near future to talk to the conservation officer there.
“The transport group have also met, and put some work into considering walking routes within Westbury.
“The employment group has agreed to visit the industrial estates within the town boundary and survey the businesses there.
“Finally the environmental group has identified the environmental sites and water courses in Westbury.
“We are particularly keen to hear from Westbury residents and businesses who can contribute, so if you have an interest in any of the topics listed, then please get in touch with us by emailing neighbourhood plan@westburytowncouncil .gov.uk or call Westbury Town Council on 01373 822232.
