A Referendum on the adoption of the Penrith Neighbourhood Development Plan is being held on Thursday 28th November 2024.
The 2011 Localism Act introduced a new set of tools for neighbourhoods to come together and shape the future of their local areas. One of those tools was to bring an optional new tier of plan into the planning system, otherwise known as a Neighbourhood Development Plan.
A Neighbourhood Development Plan enables Town and Parish Councils to prepare, with the communities they represent, a formal planning document for their area. The purpose of a Neighbourhood Development Plan is to empower local people to take a proactive role in shaping the future of the areas in which they live and to give local people greater ownership of the plans and policies that affect their local area
In March 2022, the Independent Examiner issued his report on the examination of Penrith Town Council’s Penrith Neighbourhood Development Plan. The report concluded that the Plan should proceed to referendum, subject to amendments being made in line with the Examiner's recommended modifications.
All but two of the Independent Examiner’s recommended modifications were accepted and a public consultation was held earlier this year on the two rejected modifications.
Westmorland and Furness Council is satisfied that the current Plan meets the legal requirements and basic conditions as set out in legislation. As a result, the council has determined that the Plan should proceed to a referendum.
If more than 50% of the votes cast are in favour of the Plan it will be adopted by the council and used in the determination of planning applications in Penrith.
If more than 50% of the votes cast are against the Plan, the Plan will not proceed and it will not be adopted by the Council.
A copy of the Penrith Neighbourhood Plan, as well as a range of associated and supporting documents, can be found on the Westmorland and Furness website at www.eden.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning-policy/neighbourhood-planning/penrith-neighbourhood-planning-area/
The documents are also available to view at the following locations during normal opening hours:
- Voreda House, Portland Place, Penrith, CA11 7BF
- Penrith Library, St Andrew’s Churchyard, Penrith, CA11 7YA
- Kendal Town Hall, South Lakeland House, Lowther Street, Kendal, LA9 4DQ
- Barrow Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow in Furness, LA14 2LD
The deadline for applications to be included in the register of electors for the referendum is Tuesday 12 November 2024.
The deadline for new applications to vote by post or to change existing absent vote details is 5pm on Wednesday 13 November 2024.
The deadline for new applications for a Voter Authority Certificate or Anonymous Elector Document is 5pm on Wednesday 20 November 2024.
The deadline for new applications to vote by proxy is also 5pm on Wednesday 20 November 2024.
The deadline for new applications to vote by proxy on grounds of medical emergency is 5pm on Thursday 28 November 2024.
The deadline to issue replacement spoilt, or lost postal ballot papers is 5pm on Thursday 28 November 2024.
The deadline to issue a temporary Voter Authority Certificate is 10pm on Thursday 28 November 2024
A copy of the Notice of Referendum is available to view at www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/voting-and-elections/elections/penrith-neighourhood-planning-referendum
For more information about the Penrith Neighbourhood plan, please visit www.eden.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning-policy/neighbourhood-planning/ or contact the Planning Policy Team on 0300 373 3300 or email: Neighbourhood.Planning@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
For more information on registering to vote, applying for a postal or proxy vote, or applying for Voter Authority Certificate, please visit www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/voting-and-elections/elections