Daventry village to be first in district to hold planning referendum

Preparations are under way for the referendum on Thursday, 28 January, when parishioners will be asked to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on whether Daventry District Council (DDC) should use the new West Haddon Neighbourhood Development Plan to help decide planning applications in their area.

If more than 50 per cent of those who vote are in favour, then DDC is required to ‘make’ the plan so it is adopted as a development plan document.

People who live in West Haddon Parish are eligible to vote in the referendum and the polling station will be open in the village hall from 7am to 10pm on 28 January. They can also apply to vote by post and the deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday, 13 January. Residents have until Tuesday, 12 January to ensure they are on the electoral register.

West Haddon Parish Council published the draft Neighbourhood Development Plan last December, with consultation taking place this spring. It was then reviewed by an Independent Examiner who published his report in September recommending the Plan goes to a referendum.

Councillor Alan Chantler, Daventry District Council’s strategic planning portfolio holder, said: “This is the first Neighbourhood Development Plan to reach the referendum stage in our District and I would urge West Haddon’s residents to take part and make sure they have their say on this important local issue.

“Many parishes across our district are engaging in local planning issues, with more than 20 already in the process of preparing their own Neighbourhood Development Plans. I’m sure many will be watching closely as West Haddon blazes a trail for future referenda.”

For more details, and to view the Information Statement and Notice of Referendum, visit the DDC website at www.daventrydc.gov.uk/westhaddonplan

For information on electoral registration and postal votes, email [email protected] or call 01327 871100.