GARGRAVE has become the first village in Craven to submit its neighbourhood plan covering the next 14 years to Craven District Council.

There will now be a period of consultation, until August 6, after which it will be sent to an independent, government appointed planning inspector. It it is considered acceptable by the inspector, there will be a public referendum, and if accepted by at least half of villagers, the plan will be formally adopted, likely to be ahead of the district wide, Craven Local Plan, which is approaching its ‘examination in public’ stage.

Between now and the end of the consultation, on August 6, people will be able to view the neighbourhood plan and accompanying documents on the council website. The document, which follows the designation of Gargrave as a ‘neighbourhood area’ in January, 2014, is the result of much work by the parish council to designate areas for future housing, and how residents want to see the village develop.

Councillor Peter Ward, chairman of Gargrave Parish Council, said: “The Gargrave Neighbourhood Plan will guide new development proposals in the ‘neighbourhood area’ up to 2032. It includes policies relating to housing, employment, protecting the environment, green spaces and character of Gargrave together with policies relating to infrastructure.”

He added: “This consultation is an opportunity for the public to submit representations on the submission Gargrave Neighbourhood Plan, which will then be considered during an independent examination.”

Following consultation, the planning inspector will consider whether the plan meets basic conditions set out by law. Following that, and any necessary modifications, Craven Council will arrange for a referendum to take place. If more than half vote for the plan, it will be put in to place.

Anyone wanting to make a representation on the plan, email: localplan@cravendc.gov.uk or post to Planning Policy, Craven District Council, 1 Belle View Square, Broughton Road, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1FJ. For queries about the consulation arrangements, email: localplan@cravendc.gov.uk or telephone 01756 706472.