After a delay of over a year because of Covid, we are
pleased to be able to tell you that voters in Emsworth will
at last be able to vote for the Emsworth Neighbourhood
Plan on Thursday July 8th in a local referendum.
If supported, the Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan will become
part of the statutory planning regulation that will ensure
that future development will protect the distinctive
character of Emsworth and make it an even better place to
live, work and visit.
The Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan has strong support from the
Emsworth Residents Association (ERA), the Emsworth Business
Association (EBA), the Emsworth Community Association (ECA),
the Emsworth Community Land Trust (ECLT) and Emsworth ward
Councillors. They are all urging Emsworth residents to vote
‘yes’ on Thursday July 8th.
Stephanie
Elsy, Chair of the Emsworth Forum, says ‘It has taken a lot
of hard work from many people to produce the Emsworth
Neighbourhood Plan. We could not have done it without the
help of many residents and businesses in all our public
events and consultations. We are very proud that it will keep
what we love about Emsworth and make sure that any future
development improves the town. This
is our Neighbourhood Plan and now we can have our say. I
hope everyone will vote ‘yes’ on July 8th.’
Theo Schofield, Chair of the ERA said ‘The ERA has
supported the development of the Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan
from the beginning because as the town develops and grows,
we want to preserve our community and keep Emsworth special.
All the ideas for projects it contains came from local
people and will make Emsworth even better – so now let us
make them happen. We hope that everyone will vote for the
Plan. It is your Plan. Vote for it!’
Dwynwen Stepien,
Chair of ECLT added: ‘Emsworth Community Land Trust believes
the Neighbourhood Plan will help us to access grants and
support so that we deliver more affordable homes that meet
the needs of those who work or live in Emsworth.’
Emsworth Councillor and Chair of the EBA, Lulu Bowerman
agreed saying: ‘It is really important for businesses in
Emsworth to be able to attract and retain visitors,
employees and investors. The Neighbourhood Plan will help
with this by preserving and developing its character and
beauty’.
Some of the highlights of the Emsworth
neighbourhood plan are that it
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Protects green spaces like the Ems Valley corridor that are so valued by local people and important to our environment and well-being.
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Encourages more affordable homes for all developments over 10 units so that there will be more affordable housing for local young people.
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Incorporates the Emsworth Design Statement creating more robust design policies that will protect Emsworth’s unique character.
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Designates a Community and Public Service Hub in the town centre that protects sites like the Emsworth Victoria Cottage Hospital for health or community use.
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Includes new proposals to improve traffic flow and conditions for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the town and, in particular, along the A259, high street and town centre.
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Proposes numerous exciting projects that will enhance and improve Emsworth for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
If you can help the campaign for a ‘yes’ vote, please contact Stephanie Elsy via stephanie@stephelsy.net or on 07919100516.
You can read the Plan on the HBC website here https://www.havant.gov.uk/emsworth-neighbourhood-planning. Printed copies will be placed in the Library.
The Border Times June 2021
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