24/11/11…Town Clerk responds to town plan referendum confusion

Dear Editor, In reference to your article dated 22/11/11 headed Thame Town Plan could go through
without a referendum. Thame Town Council would like to make it absolutely clear that it is committed to
producing the Town Plan in line with any agreed legislation on Neighbourhood Plans which is encompassed within the Localism Act.

There was a lot of debate and amendments to the Localism Bill as it progressed to becoming an Act through Royal Assent on 16 November. The holding of a referendum was a section under debate. However based on the information we have on the Act and the plain English Guide to the Localism Bill, available on the DCLG website, it still includes a paragraph on holding a referendum:

?Provided a neighbourhood development plan or order is in line with national planning policy, with the strategic vision for the wider area set by the local authority, and with other legal requirements, local people will be able to vote on it in a referendum. If the plan is approved by a majority of those who vote, then the local authority will bring it into force.”

The Town Council is making preparation for such a referendum and unless informed of legislation contrary to this requirement will proceed along this route.

Helen Stewart
Town Clerk on behalf of Thame Town Council