This is how you can have your say on the future development of Buxton

The move means that the Buxton Neighbourhood Forum Community Interest Company will become the leading body responsible for devising a neighbourhood plan for the town.

Director Jane Reynolds said: “This is the first time the local community will be able to develop a plan for their own area that will have to be taken into account when future planning decisions are taken.

“It will need to set out the community’s vision for the town and it will help shape the future development and character of the town and adjacent rural areas for the next ten years and beyond.”

The neighbourhood plan will establish community-led guidelines on issues such as housing quality, employment, shops and the future of the town centre, transport, environment and open space.

Once it is officially adopted, a process which could take several months or even years, the borough council will have to take those guidelines into consideration when ruling on planning applications.

Under the 2011 Localism Act, plans are usually drawn up by parish or town councils but as Buxton has neither, a new vehicle had to be created to lead the work.

Wards designated for inclusion in the plan include Barms, Burbage, Buxton Central, Corbar, Cote Heath, Limestone Peak, Stone Bench and Temple.

The forum's members are all resident in Buxton and about a third also work locally across sectors such as retail, hospitality, architectural consulting, culture and heritage. Institutional members include Buxton Civic Association, Buxton Town Team, Vision Buxton and Transition Buxton and county councillors, and its work so far has also been influenced by public meetings for residents.

Further public consultations will be held throughout the process and the steering group wants the people of Buxton to have their say at every stage.

Anyone who lives, works or runs a business in Buxton can get involved. For more information, write to [email protected] or follow forum updates via facebook.com/BuxtonNeighbourhood.

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