Strensall with Towthorpe Neighbourhood Plan referendum on 4 May

Last week, City of York Council’s executive formally agreed that Strensall with Towthorpe Parish Council should progress its Neighbourhood Plan to public referendum.

As the Local Planning Authority, City of York Council works closely with Strensall with Towthorpe Parish Council in an advisory capacity to support them throughout the various stages of the plan process.

Government rules introduced in 2012 give local communities greater powers to create their own plans and policies. As part of the Localism Act 2011, local communities are encouraged to come together to get more involved in planning for their areas by producing plans, which are designed to guide new development.

The Strensall with Towthorpe Neighbourhood Plan has been through several stages of consultation.

Plans must have regard to national planning policy, be in general conformity with the emerging Local Plan and strategic policies in the development plan for the area, and must be compatible with EU obligations and human rights requirements.

Only residents living in the identified area (Strensall and Towthorpe) can vote in the referendum, which will take place on the same day as the local elections in York [Thursday 4 May]. As this is combined with the local elections, voter identification is also required.

If over 50 per cent of those voting vote in favour, then then the Neighbourhood Plan will be used to decide future planning applications.

Find out more about the plan and referendum, here

Background dates:

• 16 March 2023: Executive approval to proceed to referendum
• April 2022: Examination commenced
• June 2021: The Submission Draft Neighbourhood Plan was submitted to the council and consultation took place from November 2021 to January 2022
• June/July 2018: Pre -submission consultation held by the Parish followed by second pre-submission consultation in March/April 2019
• 14 June 2018: an amended application boundary was approved by Executive.