The idea for a Lyndhurst Area Plan originated from the Parish Council following a presentation by Anne Harrison (Hampshire County Council) and Penny Velander (New Forest District Council).
Parish plans are a national initiative encouraging local people, young and old, to have a voice in planning for the future of their community.
A public meeting, organised by the Parish Council, supported the concept of a plan.
Although initially chaired by the Parish Council, subsequently a small editorial group worked to compile the final plan, drawing on the initial drafts, researching additional information and providing photographs.
It was important from the start that the issues in any future plan originated in ideas that came from local people.
A Love It, Hate It, Want It paper circulated to all households identified local opinions.
Youth groups were also asked for their ideas.
Four volunteer groups, led by local people, used worksheets provided by Hampshire County Council to research local Environmental, Transport and Social and Economic issues.
These sources provided the evidence to draw up the tables of Local Issues, Desired Outcomes and Possible Strategies that form Appendix 3, pages 40-56.
Lyndhurst Parish Council has had regular updates on suggestions made.
Some, such as improvements to the children’s play area, repairs to seats and publication of a Parish Walk, have been planned for or already put in place.
The Steering Committee hopes that the plan will be used by the Parish Council and other agencies to inform future planning in accordance with the wishes of the local community.
Some ideas may cost little in time or money, while others, like the dream of a traffic solution, may take longer or are just not practicable.
Strategies and potential partners have been suggested.
This is a real opportunity for local people and organisations to become involved and committed to improving local life for the benefit of ourselves, our children and future generations.
The Steering Committee has recommended that the Parish Council, after discussion and local consultation, compiles and publishes an Action Plan, identifying the key issues, how these will be addressed and what the outcome will be.
The Steering Committee also states that this should be a key element in the Parish Council’s annual planning process, working through its committees.
New subgroups, involving volunteers working in partnership with the Parish Council may be needed to take plans forward.
Progress in addressing the issues in the Action Plan should be monitored every four months by the Council and reported to the Council’s Annual Parish Meeting.
Community updates and opportunities to get involved could be provided through publicity in What’s On and via the Parish Council’s noticeboards and website. |
