Dunston prepares for referendum on new Neighbourhood Plan

Neighbourhood planning was introduced under the Localism Act 2011. It aims to help local communities play a direct role in planning the areas in which they live and work by showing how the community wants land to be used and developed in its area.

Proposals for Neighbourhood Planning Areas must be voted on in a referendum before they can be brought into effect by the local authority.

The referendum on Dunston Neighbourhood Plan will take place on Thursday November 3.

Ian Fytche, Chief Executive of North Kesteven District Council will be the Counting Officer and is responsible for conduct of the referendum. The Counting Officer has the same role as the Returning Officer, who is responsible for the conduct of elections in the district.

Thecouncil says the referendum will be conducted in a similar manner to local government elections.

The Referendum area covers everywhere within the designated Dunston Neighbourhood Plan area which covers the parish of Dunston.

The question to be asked in the Referendum is: “Do you want North Kesteven District Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Dunston to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”

You show your choice by putting a cross (X) in the ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ box on your ballot paper.

Anyone 18 or over by November 3 2016 and registered to vote can participate in the referendum if they live in the Dunston Parish Area.

Voters must be registered by Tuesday, October 18.