Forum set up to shape future development in Buxton

Neighbourhood plans - established by the 2011 Localism Act - are taken into account when planning applications are considered.

They are normally prepared by parish or town councils however Buxton does not have one - sparking the creation of Buxton Neighbourhood Forum.

The community interest company is made up of 40 people aged 20 to 80 who either live or work in Buxton and includes High Peak councillors Jean Todd and Keith Savage.

In their constitution the group say they aim to promote ‘the social, economic and environmental well-being’ of the neighbourhood plan area.

Pending registration under the Localism Act, Buxton Neighbourhood Forum propose to include Barms, Burbage, Buxton Central, Corbar, Cote Heath, Limestone Peak, Stone Bench and Temple wards in its geographical area.

After registering as a community interest company the group held public meetings across Buxton explain the reasons for the neighbourhood plan.

In a statement Buxton Neighbourhood Forum wrote how they planned to ‘work closely with other community organisations on the creation of the plan’.

They added: “There is considerable expertise in these organisations on many of the issues of interest that were identified at our meetings, for example, transport, sustainability and the protection of green spaces.”

High Peak Borough Council is currently holding a public consultation - asking what people think of the forum’s composition and the areas suggested for inclusion in the plan.

Councillor Anthony McKeown, Leader of the Council, said: "This is at a very early stage so we want to hear what people think of both the setting up of the forum to take this forward and the suggested area to be covered by the neighbourhood plan.

"It's just these two core elements that we're seeking comments on for now - if the neighbourhood area designation and the forum are agreed the group can then start the process of preparing a neighbourhood plan.

“That will involve further public consultation so people will have more chances to get involved at that time."

The consultation closes on January 12 at 5pm - to view it see www.highpeak.gov.uk/Buxton-Neighbourhood-Area-and-Forum.

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