Residents to vote on future of Cotswold village

A referendum will be held tomorrow to decide whether the Neighbourhood Plan will be used to help decide on planning applications in the area.

Neighbourhood Plans were introduced by the Government under the Localism Act 2011 in an effort to give people greater influence over the future of the area in which they live.

 and provides a framework which will be used to guide development.

The plan for Broadway features 29 separate policies and nine proposed projects and states a vision centred on creating a “green and harmonious” neighbourhood.

The plan reads: “Broadway will continue to respect and reflect the needs of its community, retain its unique historic character and natural beauty and, living in harmony with the natural environment, provide an outstanding quality of life for future generations of residents and visitors within a strong economy”.

Some of the projects listed in the plan include the creation of a volunteer hub, a crackdown on crime, the commissioning of a plan for car parking in the area, and increasing and facilitating walking and cycling as a means of transportation.

Among the significant changes to the plan, noted by the Town Council, are the removal of the proposed development on Kennel Lane, the removal of proposed changes to the development boundary, and the removal of Green Wedge proposals.

Lifford Memorial Hall is one of two polling stations which will open on Thursday, September 15 (Image: Lifford Memorial Hall is one of two polling stations which will open on Thursday, September 15)

The plan states that the policies and projects included will achieve multiple aims.

It reads: “These aims to ensure that Broadway can continue to thrive and prosper in its beautiful setting, influence future development to meet the needs of local people, (and) protect and value our natural environment.”

The referendum will pose voters with one question, “Do you want Wychavon District Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Broadway to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”

Two poll stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday, September 15.

These will be located at Lifford Memorial Hall, Lower Green, and at Broadway Library, on Leamington Road.