Comment

Representation ID: 10316

Received: 29/07/2022

Respondent: Elstow Parish Council

Parish Council Approach to the Consultation
Elstow Parish Council is experienced in understanding the due process relating to public consultations and is therefore mindful of the importance of presenting clear and robust evidence at all stages, but in particular at this part of the consultation process, to ensure that Elstow Parish Council makes clear its view as the first tier of local government. The Parish Council, has a further role as always, serving its electorate and ensuring they are supported throughout this phase, so considerable work has been done ensuring they are not only aware of the proposals and their direct impact on Elstow, but also in engaging effectively in the consultation process.
The Parish Council also feels at this stage in light of the Local Plan shortly being taken forwards to government inspection, that with such significant development earmarked for both employment and housing in the parish of Elstow within this strategy document, that it is important to reiterate items that have previously been expressed in earlier consultations relating to the Local Plan through to 2040.
Elstow Parish Council, as usual, has been extremely pro-active in attending BBC led consultation events directed at local parishes, as well as the various public engagement activities within the consultation run by BBC. There has been a thorough review of the consultation documents, throughout the consultation period, as Parish Councillors have strived to understand more about the many different technical and complex items being considered.
This is in addition to a huge number of important accompanying planning policy documents which will shape the future of Elstow and communities across the Borough.
The Parish Council has facilitated a number of different ways to encourage Elstow residents to engage with this consultation process, whether directly to BBC representatives or through feedback to Elstow Parish Councillors. Throughout this consultation it has remained an absolute priority that all in Elstow are aware of the enormity of the proposals, and that they can have their say and their voice heard. This has included using a website publications, social media posts, information in local shops, in addition to multiple leaflet communications made to the village population through along with residents being welcomed to the June and July Parish Council meetings. The Parish Council also arranged a specific drop-in session on Tuesday 26th
July at Elstow Playing Field Hall to enable residents who had questions understanding and/or required assistance with engaging to the consultation. The Parish Council knows the proposed allocations within this consultation are of interest to residents as the drop in session was so well attended.
It is also important to recognise that Parish Councillors are lay persons, volunteering their time, trying their best to review, consider and digest all the information relating to many different technical aspects of this Local Plan process. In addition, the volume of associated policy documents being consulted on, which again are also complex, however, are fundamentally crucial in the important role they play in the wider context of the development strategy.
As a result, it was important to Elstow Parish Council that they focus on the impact the proposed allocations have on Elstow and the surrounding areas - the area known best to Councillors.