The Best Guide for the Neston Area

Town Council to Launch Neston Neighbourhood Plan

Neston has been chosen as one of the local 'front runners' to produce its own Neighbourhood Plan.  Residents are encouraged to come to an open day at the Town Hall to find out more.

At the Annual Town meeting held on Tuesday May 15th, the Mayor of Neston, Cllr Martin Barker, announced: "We are very pleased that Neston has been chosen to have front runner status in the development of a neighbourhood plan. Preparation of the neighbourhood plan will be supported by a grant from the Department of Communities and Local Government."

The desirability of towns and parishes to have a neighbourhood plan is a consequence of the recent Localism Bill, having such a plan allows local communities to shape the future of their town and ensure development is both sustainable and conforms to an agreed pattern.

One of the requirements of a neighbourhood plan is that the community are engaged as widely as possible in drawing up the plan and the final document will be subject to review by a government inspector and then a referendum in the town. It is also a requirement that the neighbourhood plan is in line with the CWaC Local Development plan being drawn up by Cheshire West for the whole borough. Any future planning applications will be judged against both documents.

To start the process Neston Town Council will be holding a launch event in the Town Hall on June 15th from 10.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. to give the general public the chance to submit their views, meet councillors, volunteer to assist and review the data we hold on the town.

The next step will be to set up a number of task groups to study various aspects of the plan. It is planned to set up these task groups at a meeting in the United Reformed Church hall in Moorside Lane at 7.30 p.m. on June 21st.

These nine groups will be:

• Housing Development
• Quality of Life
• Economic Development
• Retail
• Transport
• Tourism
• Publicity
• Young People
• Heath and Wellbeing

Full details of the requirements and preparation of the neighbourhood plan will be given at the meeting on June 21st to which all residents are invited. Invitations are also being sent to businesses and organisations throughout Neston.

It is hoped that residents will volunteer to join one or more of the task groups relevant to their interests and be instrumental in shaping the future of Neston.

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Comments

John Cartlidge

At 16:22 on 18th May 2012, John Cartlidge commented:

If there is to be a group for 'Young People', which I would have hoped will be for anyone under say 55 or 60, but imagine it will be for under 25's, then why not a group for ‘Old People? (Not to be lumped in to the 'health and wellbeing' group which will surely consider all ages, young, middle or old).

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cheshire_guy

At 17:11 on 19th May 2012, cheshire_guy commented:

Oh, bah humbug, I think the older generation in Neston have more than enough of a voice to ensure there are provisions for them. I would assume the "young people" group would cover things like activities and amenities for the younger generation to keep them off the streets!

It's much more important to have a 'young peoples' group than one for 25+, as younger people are less likely to go to council meetings or engage with councilors regarding Neston's future. Possibly put off by the comments such as the one above, were young people are disengaged from the discussion process in favor of those over a certain age.

I'm over the age of 25, but would much prefer a group of 17 to 25 year olds sat down and discussed the future of Neston and what they want, rather than retired residents dictating what they think Neston should be. It's not a village anymore, it has 15,000 residents of varying ages.

If I can find the time I would like take part and help to shape Neston's future for the better.

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John Cartlidge

At 07:34 on 21st May 2012, John Cartlidge commented:

Last I checked, young people become old people. In the Neston area, like the county, 1:5 is aged 21 or under, and it is probably news to some it is the same ratio for the over 60's, but the proportion of over 60's is increasing and the number under 21 is decreasing. Further, in the main the young are well represented by themselves, teachers, parents / carers and so on. Many elderly do not have anything like this level of support, and we are all living longer, but not necessarily in good health. I am in my forties, but would wish the needs and thoughts of the elderly be given the same degree of focus and consideration as the young are being given in this exercise.

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Charlie - Little Neston

At 18:34 on 1st June 2012, Charlie - Little Neston commented:

The Special Edition of Neston Matters just reached me. Page 2 says 'Neston's population is just under 15,000, with the number of people moving in each year more of less equal to the numbers moving out'. On the same page it says 'There will be an increase in population' and page 4 says 'We will have to increase the number of homes in Neston'. Does somebody know lots of babies are coming? I think we have enough houses in Neston.
Page 3 lists things the Working Groups may consider. Transport and Tourism mention cars and bikes, but not footpaths and walkers. The Public Realm Design Guide people suggested 18 months ago that walkers should be given more space in Neston. Can you publish their report please, Carrie, so we can read it before the 15 June consultation?

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John Cartlidge

At 19:16 on 1st June 2012, John Cartlidge commented:

The Special Edition of Neston Matters goes on in the first paragraph on page 2... equal to the numbers moving out'. But the population is getting older."

Despite this, there is no provision to consider the specific needs of the elderly in this exercise. I respect, welcome and appreciate the time given and efforts made by those involved, and dearly wish I could offer help. Until the growing elderly population is given the time, consideration and respect that so far this process has ignored I have little faith in the inclusive ambitions of this project. Carries knows me; I am not some old retired tory but a working bloke disheartened by the ambivalence and inconsideration our senior citizens do not deserve.

I have personally pleaded with Neston Town Councillors before now to give the ageing population the time and consideration needed, and whilst agreement and acknowledgement is achieved one to one, very little seems to be forthcoming. Those who do not have a voice are those who should be listened to most intently.

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