You may remember that three years ago a survey of village residents took place, where everyone was invited to complete the form posted through letter boxes, when your opinion was canvassed on various aspects of village life. Those responses were included in a thorough survey of Stonesfield’s housing, economy, amenities, transport, nature and historic environment. In particular, an assessment of housing needs in the village showed a desire for appropriate development for local people.
Five years of hard work by a Parish Council steering group have gone by and finally come to fruition in the Stonesfield Neighbourhood Plan. The Plan has now been approved by an Independent Examiner and West Oxfordshire District Council.
This is an important document that gives us all a voice on every aspect of village life and, if accepted, must be considered when looking at all areas of planning.
It is now the turn of Stonesfield residents to vote on whether to accept the Plan. There will be a Yes/No referendum held on Thursday 12 November, which will be run on the same lines as any local or national election. You will be able to cast your vote in the village hall between the hours of 7am and 10pm. Don’t forget that, as in other elections, you will need to present photo ID.
Casting your vote shows that you care about how it develops. The Plan has legal weight and will affect planning decisions from the moment it is adopted.
What question will the ballot paper ask?
The ballot paper will have a simple question: Do you want West Oxfordshire District Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Stonesfield to help decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area? YES NO
When the count takes place, the result will be determined on a simple majority vote, either for acceptance (YES) or rejection (NO).
Please do vote.