Neighbourhood Plan

Please Note – The minutes of the Campton & Chicksands Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group Meetings can be viewed at the bottom of this page. Updates on the progress of the Neighbourhood Plan are published regularly in the Parish Council Newsletter.

See the agenda for the most recent / next NP Steering Group Meeting here

See latest approved NP Steering Group minutes here

September 29th – Neighbourhood Plan Adopted

The Campton and Chicksands Neighbourhood Plan has now been formally adopted by Central Bedfordshire Council, following a successful independent examination and a local referendum. The content and policies within the Neighbourhood Plan will now be taken into consideration in the determination of future planning applications within our neighbourhood area.

September 24th – Referendum – Declaration of Result of Poll

The result of the referendum held on Thursday 23rd September has been published on the Central Bedfordshire Council website. With more than half of those voting having voted in favour of the Neighbourhood Plan (89.47%) it should be expected that the plan be formally adopted within a few days. Formal adoption will mean that the content and policies within the Neighbourhood Plan be taken into consideration by planning authorities in the determination of future planning applications within our neighbourhood area.

Thanks to everyone who voted! Please watch this space for further updates….

September 19th – Reminder

Please remember that the referendum on our Neighbourhood Plan will be held on Thursday 23rd September at Campton Village Hall.

September 9th – Referendum Reminder & NP Headline Summary Published

A further informational leaflet will shortly be distributed house to house ahead of the referendum providing some key “Summary Headlines” from the Neighbourhood Plan. This leaflet can be read online here.

September 1st – Referendum Information Leaflet Published by NP Steering Group

A colour A5 information leaflet has been published by the NP Steering Group and is currently being distributed to households with the September edition of the Parish Council Newsletter. This leaflet can be read online here.

A further informational leaflet will be distributed house to house well ahead of the referendum providing some key “Summary Headlines” from the Neighbourhood Plan.

August 19th 2021 – Referendum Version of the Campton & Chicksands Neighbourhood Plan Published

The final “Referendum” version of the Campton & Chicksands Neighbourhood Plan has now been published online by Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) in advance of the local referendum regarding adoption of the Plan, to be held on Thursday 23rd September.

The referendum is is managed throughout by CBC along similar lines as local council elections and more information can be found on the CBC Neighbourhood Plan Webpages.

The “Referendum” version of our Neighbourhood Plan can also be viewed via the Parish Council website Neighbourhood Plan drop down menus.

August 11th 2021 – Neighbourhood Plan going to Referendum

A local referendum regarding adoption of the Campton & Chicksands Neighbourhood Plan is to be held by Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC). There will be more news on this referendum in due course.

CBC have issued the following notices:

Information Statement

Notice of Referendum

August 10th 2021 – Neighbourhood Plan Examination Concludes

The formal examination of the Campton & Chicksands Neighbourhood Plan concluded on the 6th August and the examiner’s final report is now available on the CBC website. To read this examination report please visit the CBC Neighbourhood Planning Examinations webpage. The examiner’s formal conclusion was that provided the recommendations set out within the report are followed the plan would meet the basic conditions and that, as modified, it should proceed to referendum. CBC are currently looking to set the date of the referendum as Thursday 23rd September. Further information will be published in due course.

July 24th 2021 – CBC Local Plan Adopted

Following the conclusion of the examination process our local authority have adopted the new Local Plan for Central Bedfordshire. They have announced this in a posting on the CBC Website “Local Plan gets the go-ahead“. The examination of our Neighbourhood Plan continues.

July 6th 2021 – Neighbourhood Plan under Examination

Examination of the Campton & Chicksands Neighbourhood Plan (submission version) has begun with a qualified and  independent examiner now appointed. To find out more and follow progress of the Plan through examination please visit the CBC Neighbourhood Planning Examinations webpage.

June 18th 2021 – CBC close Regulation 16 Consultation

Please note that Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) have now closed this public consultation on our Neighbourhood Plan.

May 7th 2021 – CBC launch Regulation 16 Consultation on the Neighbourhood Plan

Our Neighbourhood Plan and supporting documents (as revised following Regulation 14) were submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) at the end of April. This morning the NP Steering Group have been informed by CBC that Regulation 16 Consultation has been launched and will run for the next six weeks closing at 5.00 pm on the 18^th of June 2021.

Regulation 16 is an important statutory consultation promoted and managed throughout by the Local Authority and more details on how to view all documents and submit comments can be found on the CBC Neighbourhood Planning webpage. At this stage of consultation all comments should be submitted to CBC.

Please note that submission versions of the Neighbourhood Plan documentation will also be made available via the Parish Council website.

April 27th 2021 – Update on the Neighbourhood Plan

The NP Steering Group are pleased to report that the Parish Council have recently given their formal backing for the submission drafts of our Neighbourhood Plan and supporting documentation, (as revised following Regulation 14 consultation), to be submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) who will then guide it through the last stage of public consultation (Regulation 16), and then to independent examination. Preparation for submission is well underway and it is our hope that the Plan will be submitted by the end of April.

Supporting documents will now include the statutory Consultation Statement and Appendices that evidence the extensive consultation and research activities undertaken by the NP Steering & Work Groups since late 2017. Also included is a 2021 updated version of the Green Infrastructure Plan produced by the Greensand Trust.

Once launched Regulation 16 Consultation will last 6 weeks and be promoted and managed throughout by CBC. At the start of this consultation period all current documents including outcomes from the Regulation 14 consultation (see the Consultation Statement) will be published on the CBC website and will also be accessible via the Parish Council website.

Please watch this space for further news on the progression of our Neighbourhood Plan.

Once again, The NP Steering Group thank everyone that has been involved in, contributed to or followed the development of this important Plan. This community led project could help shape the future of Campton and Chicksands for some years to come. We have only got to this point because of your support, interest and involvement.

February 18th 2021 – A brief update on the Neighbourhood Plan

The NP Steering Group have now reviewed all the feedback received during last year’s consultation and are making good progress with drafting responses to the representations received. Many of these representations regarding the draft Neighbourhood Plan were detailed and this exercise is likely to take several weeks to complete.

With the continuing Covid-19 health emergency all our meetings are held online, and the Parish Council and our Neighbourhood Involvement Officer at Central Bedfordshire Council are kept informed of progress throughout this process. As we complete this review/response activity and implement post consultation amendments to the draft plan our work will be thoroughly scrutinised by the Parish Council before the plan can move forward.

A full breakdown of all the consultation data will be published in the Consultation Statement and appendices that will accompany the next iteration of the draft plan hopefully early this year.

Once again, we thank everyone that responded to the consultation.

November 19th 2020 – Regulation 14 consultation on the Draft Neighbourhood Plan is now closed

Back in September the Steering Group launched this statutory consultation on the draft Neighbourhood Plan (NP) underlining the importance of your feedback, as only then could we consider your views in any amendments to the Plan going forward.

Over the 8 weeks of the consultation we received many representations on the draft plan and the supporting documents demonstrating once again that residents across the parish are engaged with the development of this Plan. The NP Steering Group wish to thank all those that responded to the consultation.

The NP Steering Group now have the important task of considering all the representations received and assessing the level of support for, or opposition to, draft policies and non-policy actions in this consultation copy of the Plan. As previously indicated this draft plan is evolving and it will be shaped by feedback from the community and other stakeholders. Interim updates on this process may be published as and when we are able.

Once this work is complete the draft plan, amended as necessary, will be thoroughly reviewed by the Parish Council to ensure due diligence on the part of the Steering Group before submission to Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC). A summary of all representations received will be made public at that stage. Please be assured that contact details of private individuals will not be published publicly.

CBC will then guide the Plan through the last stage of public consultation (Regulation 16), followed by an independent government inspection and eventually to a local public referendum hopefully in 2021. If the referendum result supports the Plan it will be “made” and will become an important point of reference, alongside CBC Local Plan policies, in the determination of local planning applications.

November 2nd 2020 – There’s Still Time!

Please remember to have your say on the draft Campton & Chicksands Neighbourhood Plan.

We currently expect consultation to close on the 18^th November. However, the NP Steering Group are very mindful of the once again escalating concerns and uncertainty regarding COVID-19, and the forthcoming changes to HM Government restrictions in England. Please be assured that the Steering Group will follow any new National or Local Government guidance on consultations issued in the coming days; and clearly any such guidance may impact the planned consultation schedule. We will of course keep you updated here.

In the meantime, online emailed representations are encouraged, or you may telephone for assistance in making your representation safely. Details on how to provide your feedback or contact us are in your leaflet. We thank all those that have already responded to the consultation.

Thank you and Keep Safe

October 16th 2020

Update providing information about Local Green Spaces for our residents. Please click here.

October 8th 2020

Two weeks into Regulation 14 consultation and the NP Steering Group would like to thank all those that have made a representation to date. As previously stated your views are very important and will help to inform future amendments to the draft plan once this consultation closes on the 18th November 2020.

Please remember that for those residents and stakeholders that don’t have, or prefer not to use, the internet the Steering Group have printed copies of the draft plan, response forms and all supporting documents, and can arrange for socially distanced delivery and pick up from your home or workplace.

If you are reading this please consider if others you know in the parish would appreciate this option to read and review the draft plan. This message will also be highlighted again in the next Parish Council Newsletter that will be delivered to homes in late October. Please telephone the NP Helpline number detailed in the leaflet previously distributed.

Thank you…. It is vital that this consultation is inclusive and fair to all.

September 24th 2020

The Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group are pleased to launch Regulation 14 Public Consultation on the Draft Campton & Chicksands Neighbourhood Plan and it’s supporting documentation. Please use the Neighbourhood Plan drop down menus above to access all documents and download a response form.

For those living or working in the parish the recently delivered leaflet describes how access to hard copy may be requested for those who don’t have, or would prefer not to use, the internet. The Steering Group look forward to receiving your views – they are important.

September 15th 2020

Recent months have been a time of unprecedented worry and uncertainty for us all with many community activities and initiatives put on hold. However, the reasons for implementing a Neighbourhood Plan have not gone away and the NP Steering Group are now able to re-engage with the community and progress with public consultation on the draft Plan; albeit in a modified way as a result of the Covid-19 emergency.

We have reached the point where the Steering Group need to consult across the community and more widely on the policies and non-policy actions detailed in the draft Neighbourhood Plan. Remember these policies etc. are all based upon earlier consultations and survey.

We are pleased to announce that Regulation 14 consultation on the draft plan starts on Thursday 24th September 2020 and will end on Wednesday 18th November. In the coming days an informational leaflet will be delivered to homes and businesses in the parish, and more details will be published on this website.

So please watch this space for further information on how to access and comment on the draft plan when the consultation starts on Thursday next week.

September 4th 2020

During August the Neighbourhood Plan (NP) Steering Group developed a Regulation 14  Engagement Strategy including details on COVID-19 risk mitigation that would be implemented throughout the consultation. Development of this strategy document was at the request of CBC and it has now been approved by both CBC and the Parish Council. The Steering Group now consider that we can move forward in a safe and fair way and are looking to launch Regulation 14 in the very near future. Watch this space!

July 11th 2020

On the 8th July Central Bedfordshire Council issued updated guidance to Neighbourhood Plan (NP) Steering Groups regarding the potential for resumption of NP project activities as COVID-19 restrictions are eased. This advice is based on the latest national guidance issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The NP Steering Group will now review this updated guidance at it’s next meeting with a view to progressing to Regulation 14 consultation should we feel this can be undertaken in a safe and fair way.

May 1st 2020

Brief Update – Official guidance for Neighbourhood Plan (NP) Groups has been issued following the Government’s recent Coronavirus Act 2020. Whilst some NP activities may continue those requiring public consultation to progress must fully “consider the Government’s current guidance on staying at home and away from others, or any superseding guidance” during the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, the progression of our Neighbourhood Plan remains on hold.

The NP Steering Group will continue to review any changes to this guidance on a regular basis; with a view to progressing to Regulation 14 consultation as soon as this is safe and appropriate.

March 17th 2020

The Campton and Chicksands draft Neighbourhood Plan (NP) is now ready to move forward to the next stage of formal consultation. However, it is vital that this consultation offers an equal opportunity for all residents and stakeholders to read, query and comment on the plan. The fast-moving situation regarding the coronavirus outbreak and associated national guidance means that now is not the time to proceed with this consultation. For this reason, preparation for an April launch of Regulation 14 consultation has been put on hold. The NP Steering Group will review the situation monthly with a view to moving forward with the NP when the time is right.

March 2020

NP Steering Group preparations for Regulation 14 consultation are now complete. These preparations have been reviewed by the Parish Council and our Neighbourhood Involvement Officer at CBC. Watch out for further information on this consultation coming soon….

January 2020

NP Steering Group preparations for the next stage of formal consultation (Regulation 14) are being finalised with CBC and the Parish Council.

November 2019 

With the GI Plan providing recommendations on Local Green Space within the parish the NP Steering Group initiated correspondence with landowners via the Parish Council.

Summer & Autumn 2019

The Steering Group continue to meet as the Draft Plan, Basic Conditions Statement, Consultation Statement, Design Statement and other supporting documentation is written. This is an iterative and time consuming process and involved an informal review of the draft plan by the Neighbourhood Involvement Officer at Central Bedfordshire Council in October. The NP Steering Group thank him for his time and advice.

July 2019

A Green Infrastructure Plan commissioned by the Parish Council and the NP Steering Group was delivered by the Greensand Trust.

February 9th 2019 Consultation

The promotional flyer for the Consultation Event on Saturday February 9th was delivered to every household and provided in public areas at JFC Chicksands. At this event you were able to provide feedback on the draft Neighbourhood Plan Policies, Village Design Statement and a Green Infrastructure Plan being developed for the area by the Greensand Trust.  If you were unable to attend but would still like to give your feedback, please contact our Clerk, Tammy Medley and a member of the Steering Group will contact you.

August 20th – September 10th 2018

Paper surveys were delivered and collected from households in the Parish, gathering views on each aspect of the Neighbourhood Plan.  The questionnaire was also made available for completion online via Survey Monkey.

July 18th 2018

The Steering Group held its second consultation event.  Feedback from consultation events will be used to produce the first draft of the Neighbourhood Plan, together with the data from our forthcoming survey in August.

July 7th 2018

The Steering Group held a consultation event and announced the winning entries of the photographic competition from children at the Lower School.  Prizes will be given out during assembly before the end of the summer term.

June 23rd 2018

There are regular updates on the Neighbourhood Plan in the Parish Council Newsletter but you can also follow our Facebook page: Campton-and-Chicksands-Neighbourhood-Plan

May 17th 2018

Locality announced that a grant of £7,778 is to be awarded to the Parish Council to support the development of the Neighbourhood Plan.

March 2018

Residents have volunteered to assist with the Neighbourhood Plan and a Steering Group has been set up which will oversee its completion. Working groups meetings will commence in April to discuss each of the six themes: Homes, Community Infrastructure, Environment, Transport and Movement, Local Heritage and Business and Employment. Details of meetings will be posted on the Parish Council website and residents are encouraged to come and join in the discussions. The plan needs to represent the views of the community as it will influence decisions made by the Parish Council and Central Bedfordshire Council until 2035.

February 2018

The results of the survey have been analysed and respondents who expressed an interest in helping to prepare the plan attended meetings on 12 February and 22 February

Although we now have volunteers to help form a Steering Group and focus groups we still need further support.  If you could spare a few hours a month to help prepare the Plan, please contact us using the Contact form on this website.

November 2017 Launch of the Neighbourhood Plan

The official launch of the Campton and Chicksands Neighbourhood Plan took place at Campton Village Hall with two drop-in sessions on Saturday 11th November 11:30am – 1:30pm and on Wednesday 15th November 6:30pm – 8:30pm. There was a short presentation to introduce neighbourhood planning followed by the opportunity to express views on matters that concern the Parish.

The Plan will be prepared by the community, so we are looking for volunteers to join working parties to discuss various aspects of the plan or to help with research or information gathering.  If you can spare 2 hours every 4-6 weeks, please send us your contact details or complete the relevant section of the survey.  We are currently just at the very beginning of the consultation process but you are welcome to join us at any time.

An update on the outcomes of the drop-in sessions will be posted here soon.

What’s in a Neighbourhood Plan?

• Objectives to meet the vision of the Plan
• Policies to achieve the objectives
• Explanatory text to support the policies
• Policies can include areas such as:
• Housing and employment allocations, housing mix to meet community needs
• Protection of important community facilities and promoting new ones
• Protection of open spaces, playing fields and greens
• Drainage and flood prevention
• High quality design, conservation of historical assets
• Promotion of walking and cycling routes
• Renewable energy and minerals extraction

What’s in it for us?

5 reasons why you should have a Neighbourhood Plan

• Unprecedented opportunity to make your voice heard through the production of a binding set of planning policies
• Gives you a lot more influence and control over the development of your area
• Allows you to develop criteria and choose which sites are allocated for what kind of development and how that development should look
• Helps you to deliver real, tangible, benefits for your area e.g. the protection of open spaces for future generations to enjoy
• Facilitates community cohesion through tackling local issues and aspirations which may otherwise be overlooked by Central Bedfordshire Council

Neighbourhood Plans are Parish Council led but should operate outside of its standing orders. This means that community involvement is essential. Working groups will be set up following the launch of the consultation process to which residents will be invited.  All updates will be posted on the Parish Council website.

Page last updated 27th April 2021

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