A REVISED version of Fenland District Council’s Core Strategy went out for a six-week public consultation yesterday (Thursday).

It gives people a second chance to comment on the draft strategy, which maps out a bold vision for the development of Fenland over the next 20 years. It envisages a minimum of 11,000 new homes and 7,200 jobs being created in the district by 2031.

The amended document is broadly the same as the first draft published last July. However, some changes have been made, partly in response to comments made in the previous consultation last year and partly to bring the strategy fully into line with the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) published by the Government in March 2012.

One of the main changes required by the NPPF is to give a more definitive picture of where future developments will be built. The maps in the gallery, under the Related Link at the top of this page, show the key areas earmarked for development in Fenland’s four market towns.

The Core Strategy seeks to identify how Fenland can best attract investment and bring increased prosperity while preserving the district’s special character and heritage.

The latest consultation runs until 5pm on September 5, 2012. The proposals will then have to go through several more stages, including further consultation and an independent planning inspection before they are finally adopted.

The changes required by the NPPF have extended the likely date for the strategy’s adoption to about November 2013.

Councillor Kit Owen, FDC’s portfolio holder responsible for neighbourhood planning, said: “The Core Strategy will determine the way the district grows and develops over the next 20 years.

“We are seeking to be flexible and guide development rather than dictating it and we are encouraging both sustainability and quality. So it is very important that the whole Fenland community is engaged to play an active part in helping to shape a sustainable future for the district.

“This is another chance for them to have their say.”