03/05/13…..Planning authority welcomes Neighbourhood Plan acceptance

SOUTH Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority for Thame, has welcomed the news that Thame has voted YES to accept its Neighbourhood Plan, which SODC will use to help it decided planning applications.

In a statement today, SODC said: “SODC is delighted with the result of the referendum on the Thame neighbourhood plan. This is a tremendous achievement and means that Thame is among the first towns in the entire country to have a community prepared plan that will be used to make decisions on planning applications.

“The plan preparation was coordinated by Thame Town Council and the plan itself identifies where new housing, employment and shops will be built in the town, and what community facilities will be required. The plan takes account of the specific local needs and views of Thame and its residents.”

At the referendum yesterday, 2,779 Thame residents said yes to the question ?Do you want South Oxfordshire District Council to use the neighbourhood plan for Thame to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area??

The statement continued: “The district council will now bring the neighbourhood plan into action and as of July, it will carry legal weight in deciding planning applications for the town.”

Cllr Angie Paterson, cabinet member for planning at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: ?We are very pleased that Thame residents have agreed to adopt their neighbourhood plan. Everybody involved with creating the plan, from the Town Council to the residents who contributed can be very proud of the achievement ? it?s good news for Thame.?

The plan was almost two years in the making and can be read at the district council?s website at www.southoxon.gov.uk/ThameNP