Issue - meetings

To receive feedback on consultation on theme 1: where you live

The Local Plan and New Communities Manager presented a report on the comments received on the first consultation theme. The first theme was on the topic of “Where You Live” and was discussed by the Community Stakeholder Forum on 11 November. Following the Forum, the theme was open for public consultation and in the first four weeks, 33 responses had been received, including some from members of the public. People are invited to make comments up to the close of the whole consultation on all the themes on 21 April 2021.

During discussion, members highlighted their concerns regarding the lack of engagement in the consultation process from some parishes in the district where they may feel that a new Local Plan will not affect them or that completing the consultation is a lot of work for a low return. The Group agreed that it was important to engage with parishes and their communities at the early stages of the Local Plan process, as it is difficult to make representations once decisions are been made. To generate more engagement, members encouraged officers to look into sending a reminder out in the upcoming Council Tax mailing, which would explain what a Local Plan is and include some questions to gain further evidence.

Members also suggested officers conduct a sample survey of residents who recently moved into new builds, to gain insight into the profile of people moving into Uttlesford from other areas and their choices for choosing the district.

The meeting closed at 20:45