Drop-in session for Yapton’s village blueprint

Some residents have already been busy working with the parish council to lay the foundations for the plan, and now a “Drop-in Day” is planned for Thursday, from 12.30pm to 8.30pm in the club room at Yapton and Ford Village Hall, to seek everyone’s views.

The aim is to map out a blueprint for the evolution and long-term sustainability of Yapton the village over the next 10 to 15 years, following extensive consultation by the Yapton Neighbourhood Planning Group with the community and local organisations on a wide range of issues that will influence the future of the village.

The final plan is required to reflect the views of the majority of residents of Yapton, to comply with the government’s localism agenda, and to meet the demands of Arun District Council, if it is to be adopted as a legal planning document.

At the Drop-in Day, a key part of the consultation, residents will be able to see displays about the village and fill in a survey on topics including housing, transport and travel, shops and businesses, the environment and healthcare provision.

A spokesman for the neighbourhood plan group said: “The government’s new Localism Bill has raised some concerns regarding the changes to planning laws.

Some people fear these will have a devastating effect on our countryside and communities by allowing developers a free hand to build where and how they want.

“These concerns have been felt locally by concerned Yapton residents who have seen, in recent years, a number of large-scale planning applications pursued, some against the wishes of locals, in their community and fear the consequences of this new legislation.

“However, the Localism Bill also allows for communities to have an input into the future development by drafting a Neighbourhood Plan.

“The Drop in Day is a great opportunity for local people to pop in for a few minutes and have their say about what they most like and value about Yapton.

“I would urge everyone who cares about the future of the village to complete a survey.”

Anyone unable to attend the Drop-in Day can complete the survey online at www.ynp.com and there will be a copy in the next edition of the parish magazine.

Surveys are also available at collection/drop off points in the village including the Co-op, Avisford Surgery and Bilsham Stores. The closing date for completing the survey is May 31.