Issues and Options

Wootton Parish Council values the bus services operating within the parish and it is vital that these services are maintained and enhanced in order to achieve the greater use of sustainable modes of transport. Furthermore, the parish council would welcome further investment and facilities to enhance facilities for cyclists by providing dedicated cycle lanes and improving upon more secure facilities for cycle parking.

A considerable amount of development within the Borough has involved the loss of the most versatile agricultural land. Wootton Parish Council considers this is an issue that has not been adequately addressed within the existing Local Plan (Policy 46S) and should be strengthened to avoid the further loss of higher quality agricultural land in the Borough. In addition to the above, Wootton Parish Council considers the new Local Plan should also look to highlight the importance of access to green space and the open countryside contributing positively to the health and wellbeing of residents.

Whilst Wootton Parish Council acknowledges the need for the Local Plan Review to be undertaken promptly after the adoption of Local Plan 2030, as highlighted under its response to question 1, there are a number of notable unresolved matters which could affect the preparation of this new Local Plan, as such it would question whether the adoption of the plan by the winter of 2023 is realistic.

No further comments to add.