Lavenham public consultation event

Lavenham Parish Council held a consultation event on Sunday to bring four separate matters to the attendion of residents.

Opinions were being sought on two sets of plans. One related to the new housing development on the former Armorex site at the north end of the village.  The other concerned two alternative schemes drawn up by Suffolk County Council to try to prevent heavy lorries from damaging the jetties of mediaeval houses in Water Street.

The Armorex proposals are likely to come before the Planning Committee at Babergh within a few weeks, so this could be the last chance for residents to have their say about the proposals.

In addition the attention of residents was drawn to two local initiatives.

The first of these is the scheme, now well under way,  to develop a neighbourhood plan for Lavenham.  Established by the 2012 Localism Bill, the creation of a neighbourhood plan is a narrower exercise than the parish plans that were produced by several villages locally some years ago.  It is thought however that, since they principally relate to planning,  neighbourhood plans will carry more weight when it comes to considering planning applications in the future.

In the words of the Department of Local Government:

'A neighbourhood development plan can establish general planning policies for the development and use of land in a neighbourhood, like:

• where new homes and commercial property should be built
• what they should look like

The plan can be detailed or general, depending what local people want.
Neighbourhood plans allow local people to get the right type of development for their community, but the plans must still meet the needs of the wider area. In most cases we expect this will mean that neighbourhood plans will have to take into account the local council’s assessment of housing and other development needs in the area.'

Last but not least it is hoped to set up a Good Neighbour Scheme in the village.  I have written about such initiatives in the past,and where they get off the ground, they certainly seem to improve the lives both of those who use the services on offer and those who volunteer to help others with special skills etc.

One of the most important tasks undertaken by volunteers is the offer of lifts to those without transport to hospital appointments, the dentist, etc.  A contribution to cover petrol and car running costs is made, and volunteers have the satisfaction of knowing that they are offering essential help to their neighbours.

I understand that a good number of volunteers have already signed up, but more are always needed.

Homes in Lavenham vulnerable to lorry damage