Most people living on the Wight will have heard of, or contributed in some way, to the forthcoming Island Plan.
News reaches us that the Core Strategy document has been published today and will be presented for debate at the Cabinet Meeting on 2 December.
The Island Plan will replace the Unitary Development Plan (UDP), setting out strategy for planning development on the Wight over the next 18 years.
Following approval of the strategy, a formal eight week consultation period ‘with submissions on fundamental objections to the plan being sought by Government’ will take place.
An independent examiner will then scrutinise the document at a public hearing next summer, the findings of which will be published next winter.
Unlike the UDP, we’re informed that the core strategy policy will be reviewed annually to ‘ensure it remains realistic and flexible.’
Cllr George Brown, IW Council cabinet member for economy, planning and property said:
“The Plan will provide the essential framework for making decisions on proposed development and change of use.
What I think gives this document added integrity is that is has been drafted after such a healthy amount of public representation and comment. I believe this is a plan that strikes a crucial balance between the need for regeneration and sustainable development and the necessity to preserve the Island’s unique and intimate character.”
If you have some spare time and this sort of thing interests you, why not check out the draft document on the Council Web site?
