A neighbourhood plan for Langham?

The 2011 Localism Act introduced the idea of the Neighbourhood Plan, giving ‘communities direct power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and shape the development and growth of their local area. They are able to choose where they want new homes, shops and offices to be built, have their say on what those new buildings should look like and what infrastructure should be provided, and grant planning permission for the new buildings they want to see go ahead. Neighbourhood planning provides a powerful set of tools for local people to plan for the types of development to meet their community’s needs and where the ambition of the neighbourhood is aligned with the strategic needs and priorities of the wider local area.’

Our namesake village in Rutland has just such a plan in place, voted for by the residents. Quote:

Thirty-two percent of the Langham electorate voted in our Referendum on 2nd March [2019] where an overwhelming ninety-one percent voted ‘Yes’. A great turnout by the village and when compared with Neighbourhood Plan results in other communities.

The ‘yes’ vote ensures our Plan is a key document, used to inform planning decisions made for our village and its environment, by our Parish and County Councils, for the next nineteen years. Our community views now carry more weight.

Thanks to everyone who helped and supported the development of the Plan – a great effort, resulting in a document which will guide our Local Authorities planning for years.

Nearer to home, the neighbourhood plan adopted by the little Breckland village of Yaxham saw off a 2017 attempt by GlavenHill to build 25 unsuitable homes there. Perhaps we should be thinking about a neighbourhood plan for Langham, Norfolk. However, it is not all plain sailing, as this article makes clear.