Consulation on area plans
ASHARE of a support package worth £22.8m across England could be spent in Halton to give residents real say in the development of their area.
Housing minister Alok Sharma confirmed how the cash boost will support towns and cities, help build more homes and give residents more say over growth.
The funding – which will be around £5.5 million per year until 2022 – will provide areas with specialist support to help develop a Neighbourhood Plan.
A Department For Communities And Local Government (DCLG) spokesman said Neighbourhood Plans gives ‘local communities a real say in the development of their area including where homes, shops, green spaces and offices should be built and how they should look.
Mr Sharma said: “Neighbourhood planning gives communities a powerful set of tools to shape their area and drive local growth.
“The Government is committed to giving communities even more of a say in the development of their area, and that’s why we’re dedicating around £23m between 2018 and 2022 to help groups create Neighbourhood Plans.
“With over 400 now in place more people than ever are having their say on the location and design ● of new homes, shops and offices in their community.
“I congratulate the many thousands of community-minded people across England carrying out this valuable work.”
The announcement follows more than 400 successful neighbourhood planning referendums have now taken place across England, driving growth from Cornwall to Northumberland.
Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) chief executive Trudi Elliott said: “Having worked directly with over 274 groups to help them develop neighbourhood plans since their inception, the RTPI knows how much people care about these plans and how important they are in shaping places and building public trust in the planning system.
“It’s also clear from our experience that people need support to make the plan-making experience easier and worthwhile, so this latest funding is very welcome.”