Work begins on Henfield neighbourhood plan

Work on the project is being led by the parish council through a steering group.

Ray Osgood, parish council chairman and chairman of the steering group said: “Our neighbourhood plan needs to reflect how all parts of our community would like to see Henfield evolve over the next 20 years.

“We are now involved in a key stage of local engagement and have formed six groups focusing on particular topics.

“Their first task is to come up with important issues to help stimulate input from residents young and old, businesses and organisations interested in the future of Henfield.”

Mr Osgood has urged members of the community to express their views on a range of topics concerning the area.

These include what types of housing would be acceptable and where they can be built, what provision should be made for recreational and open spaces and how the High Street can be improved.

Also of interest to the steering group are views on how traffic can be managed, whether new community facilities are needed for young and old, and how local employment prospects can be improved.

Two drop in events, which will take place in the Garden Room of the Henfield Hall, have been organised to help gather public opinion.

The sessions will take place on Saturday February 8 between 9.30am and 1pm and Friday February 14 from 6pm to 9pm.

Mr Osgood added: “Please use this opportunity to set down how you would like Henfield to change.”

The parish council hopes to have the plan ready for examination by the end of 2014, followed by a local referendum in Spring 2015.

For more information, visit www.henfieldhub.com/residents/henfields-neighbourhood-plan

Pictured: Ray Osgood (centre) at a stand explaining the neighbourhood plan. Photo by Mike Beardall, Oakland Media.