Locals invited to have a say in key Neighbourhood Plan for Saddleworth

THE WHOLE of Saddleworth is being invited to contribute to a key ‘Neighbourhood Plan’ which will help affect and shape the community’s future.

Locals are urged to attend a public meeting on Tuesday, February 21 at 7pm in the Civic Hall, Uppermill to hear a presentation about the plan, ask any questions and ensure their views are heard.

Saddleworth Parish Council submitted an application to Oldham Council and the Peak District National Park Authority to draw up a Neighbourhood Plan to cover the area.

The request has been granted and a steering group has met to draw up the timeline for producing the plan, which will be approved by the same authorities once it has been made by locals.

It is a powerful document with legal force and sets out planning policies for the area and helps ensure the community gets the right types of development in the right place.

Cllr Barbara Beeley, chair of the Parish Council’s strategic planning team, is encouraging the community to get involved with the unique opportunity.

She said: “Local people can help make the plan which allows them to develop planning policies reflecting their priorities, and have real legal weight in their area.

“We want people to give us their ideas so we can make the plan relevant to the community.

“It is mainly about planning regulations but we will look at other aspects of life in Saddleworth.

“The whole community then decides at a referendum vote whether the local authority should bring the plan into force. We anticipate the whole process will take us up to the end of 2018.

“We hope as many local people and groups as possible will be involved.”