March Town Council is embarking on the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan which, if approved, will become a statutory land use planning document, carrying significant material weight in the planning process.

We want to prepare this plan because we believe that local people should have a greater say in planning decisions within the town, and in particular, in setting the vision for its future. It is therefore vital that the Plan is prepared in partnership with our community. The Neighbourhood already carries the brand “March Town Plan by March Town People” and to ensure this happens we need you to get involved at every key stage.

At the end of 2013 we started the process off by conducting a town wide survey. We have had a great response and have now processed the findings and have been able to identify a number of key issues that need to be looked at in more detail.

We now plan to hold a consultation event in order to provide an opportunity to share the key findings of the original survey, to highlight the main issues to emerge, and to look at possible ways forward. Members of the town council and our planning consultant will be on hand to talk to about this work at the exhibition. You will also be encouraged to complete a comments form to help us further shape the work.

The exhibition is at the Oliver Hotel ballroom on July 19 from 10am to 4pm.

KIT OWEN (Cllr)

Mayor of March