Referendum date set to have a say on local plan

A referendum on the St Annes Neighbourhood Plan will be held on the same day as the Lancashire County Council elections after Fylde Council approved the plan at its meeting last Thursday.

The Plan, which has been more than a year in the preparation, covers a comprehensive range of aspects of the future of the town, including additional protection from housing development to 25 parks and open spaces across the town, such as Ashton Gardens, Blackpool Road North Playing Field and Mellings Wood.

The Plan also suggests additional planning criteria for the conversion of flats and houses of multiple occupation, additional tree planting, supporting Blackpool Airport from non-airport related development, green infrastructure and improved transport links.

If approved at the referendum, the Neighbourhood Plan would become part of the Fylde Local Plan.

Coun Tony Ford, chairman of the town council’s Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group said: “The clear message we received from the public is that they wanted to protect the town’s parks and open spaces which is one of the main aims of the Plan.

“People asked for more affordable homes of a type and design that meet the needs of the town and again this is addressed in our Plan. We are passionate about St Annes and want the Plan to ensure the town can build on its legacy and become a balanced, healthy and vibrant community for future generations.”

Town Clerk Sally Taylor said: “This has been the biggest project that the Town Council has ever undertaken, but is so important to the people of St Annes. If a ‘yes’ vote is obtained this plan will allow our community to influence the planning of St Annes.”

Town mayor Coun Cheryl Little said: “Thanks to everyone involved with the production of the Neighbourhood Plan, it is a fantastic document and a credit to the Town.”

The Neighbourhood Plan and supporting documentation is available to view online at: www.fylde.gov.uk/council/planning-policy--local-plan-/neighbourhood-planning/st-annes-sea-town-council-neighbourhood-plan as well as in hard copy form at Fylde Town Hall and the Town Council Officers in St George’s Road during office hours.