THERE are large areas of land to the north and east of the village of Hilperton that could possibly be earmarked for future development.

It is unreasonable to expect to mount a campaign based on the fact that no-one wants more houses in the area, but a campaign to restrict the number of houses which might be built on various sites seems a more reasonable goal.

A Neighbourhood Plan would significantly improve our chances. All local communities are able to produce neighbourhood plans for their local area, putting in place planning policies for the future development and growth of the neighbourhood. The plan may contain a vision, aims, planning policies, proposals for improving the area or providing new facilities, or allocation of key sites for specific kinds of development. It is subject to examination and referendum and then forms part of the Local Development Plan. This status gives Neighbourhood Plans far more weight than other local planning documents, such as parish plans, community plans and village design statements.

A group of at least six committed volunteers is needed to draw up a Neighbourhood Plan for Hilperton, and it will require a fair amount of time and energy to produce a comprehensive document.

Hilperton Parish Council will fund the plan but it must be community-led and cannot be a parish council wish list.

To this end, We are inviting people who are interested in the future of Hilperton to attend a public meeting at Hilperton Village Hall, Whaddon Lane, on Thursday, November 26, at 8pm. We need to get this initiative off the ground now.

Marylyn Timms, Clerk, Hilperton Parish Council