Have you voted yet? D-Day for development plan

D-Day has arrived...Horncastle is going to the ballot box.
Election news.Election news.
Election news.

Today (Thursday) residents have the chance to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ whether to adopt the Neighbourhood Plan - a lengthy document designed to guide future planning policy.

However, opinion is divided.

Supporters argue the plan offers a defence to fears the town could be swamped by new homes.

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However, critics - most notably the Protect Horncastle Group Vote No campaign - argue the plan is flawed and should be rewritten to identify zones which need safeguarding from development.

The campaigners held a public meeting on Friday in a bid to rally support - but it was attended by just 25 residents.

The plan has been initiated by Horncastle Town Council, with a group of residents then forming a steering group to develop the plan on the authority’s behalf.

The town council has approved the plan but strict rules around the referendum mean the body can not use public funds in a bid to sway the vote.

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On the eve of the vote town Mayor Coun Angela Birchall has urged: “As many people in the town as possible should be out voting on this referendum.”

She added: “It is important to vote on anything that affects the future of our town.”

The people of Horncastle are being asked: “Do you want East Lindsey District Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Horncastle to help it 
decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”