‘Delight’ as East Preston’s plan goes to the vote

Peter Vincent celebrates as an inspector moves East Prestons neighbourhood plan to referendum D14401582

The village’s own neighbourhood plan, which will help to define East Preston’s future developments, is now set to go to a referendum following its successful inspection.

Inspector Richard High said he was impressed by the document’s thorough attention to detail.

In his report, Mr High wrote: “The preparation of a neighbourhood plan is a big undertaking for a small community.

“It is evident that the residents of East Preston value the character of the village and have a clear view of how they wish to maintain it.

“It is apparent from the extensive consultation that the neighbourhood plan reflects the wishes of the community.”

He was ‘impressed by the professionalism of the work’ carried out by East Preston Parish Council and was ‘grateful for the clear presentation of the documentation’ provided by both the parish council and Arun District Council.

The parish council’s clerk, Simon Cross, was delighted by the news.

“The parish council is very pleased to have passed the independent examination stage on the road to having a fully approved East Preston Neighbourhood Plan and was delighted with the examiner’s positive recognition of the work done so far,” he said.

Although satisfied by a majority of the village’s plan, the examiner did suggest a few minor alterations to the wording of some of the plan’s policy.

The date of the yes-no referendum is still being finalised.

However, the parish council is encouraging as many residents as possible to vote in the referendum once the timings are announced.

Peter Vincent, chairman of the neighbourhood plan steering group, said, “The final step in the process will be a village-wide referendum, the date for which is just being finalised.

“The more residents that vote the stronger the outcome in future dealings with developers.

“The council is truly grateful to everyone in the village who has contributed to the plan so far.”

Residents in Littlehampton will have the chance to vote on their own neighbourhood plan at a referendum on Wednesday (October 15).