It seems a long time since we had the meetings in each village to discuss the Neighbourhood Plan (NP) for the Vale of Allen.
We would, therefore, like to bring you all up to date on progress.
Following the wonderful support from each of the village meetings, the Parish Council met on the 11 March and agreed to proceed with the Neighbourhood Plan. The Plan area (the area), discussed in the village meetings, was sent to Dorset Council for the formal three-month consultation process.
The consultation period ended on the 17 June. Five responses to the proposed area were sent to us at the beginning of July. Four of the responses were from local or Government agencies/departments offering advice or guidance and one was from an adjacent Parish suggesting a small amendment to the proposed area.
These responses were discussed when the Parish Council met on the 8 July. It was decided to proceed with the area that had been proposed and consulted on as it is essentially the Vale of Allen Parish area.
Dorset Council has now been advised of our decision. Confirmation should be received within the next two weeks that our proposed NP area is acceptable.
We are pleased to report that there are now volunteers from each village for membership of the Steering Committee.
The first meeting of the Steering Committee will be arranged once the formal acceptance of the proposed NP area is received. It is hoped to hold this in mid-August, but we do understand that this is peak holiday season.
If you have any queries about the Neighbourhood Plan please contact your village Parish Councillor(s). Their details are available here on the Vale of Allen Parish website.