Neighbourhood Plan formally adopted for parishes near Market Rasen

A Neighbourhood Plan shaping the future of four West Lindsey villages has been formally adopted following a unanimous vote by West Lindsey District Council.

At its recent Full Council meeting, members approved the adoption of the Grasby and Searby cum Owmby Neighbourhood Plan after residents backed the document in a referendum held on October 22. A total of 84.8 per cent of those who voted supported the plan, with a turnout of 28.9 per cent, according to district council officials.

The neighbourhood plan has been developed over four years by a steering group made up of local volunteers from the parishes of Grasby and Searby cum Owmby. Once adopted, it

becomes part of the statutory development plan for the area and will help guide future planning decisions.

During the meeting, ward member Coun Peter Morris praised the dedication of everyone involved in producing the plan. He highlighted that the group had held 54 neighbourhood

plan meetings over the past three years in addition to countless hours of work behind the scenes, engaging with residents throughout the process.

Addressing councillors before the vote, Chris Mead, chair of the Grasby Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, described the plan as the culmination of work involving extensive

community engagement, technical studies and consultation.

Speaking at the meeting, Chris Mead said: "Our plan is the culmination of four years of work. Putting the plan together has not only been an interesting exercise, it has also created many

opportunities to engage with residents and to find out what the local community values and what gives it cause for concern."

He thanked residents, steering group members, parish representatives, district and county councillors, consultants and council officers for their support throughout the process. He also

paid tribute to residents who contributed their views, attended events, responded to consultations and participated in the referendum.

The steering group worked closely with neighbouring parishes, planning consultants and specialist advisers to produce the plan, including the creation of a design guide and housing

needs assessment to support policies on local character, design quality and future housing needs.

Following the presentation, councillors unanimously approved the adoption of the neighbourhood plan. Chairing the meeting, Coun Matt Boles praised the group's efforts, saying

the hard work involved deserved "a round of applause from everybody".

The adopted plan reflects the priorities of local communities and will help ensure future development in Grasby, Searby cum Owmby and the surrounding villages is shaped by the

people who live there.

For more information on Neighbourhood Plans, visit the council’s dedicated website page on Neighbourhood Planning here: https://www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/planning-building-control/planning/neighbourhood-planning