Fernhurst Neighbourhood Development Plan Passes Referendum

Fernhurst Neighbourhood Development Plan Passes Referendum

March 3, 2016

Congratulations to Fernhurst Parish Council and the Fernhurst Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group who saw their Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) successfully pass a referendum yesterday with 88% voting yes for the plan.

Fernhurst was one of the very first communities in the National Park to embrace neighbourhood planning. In 2012 the Parish Council received ‘front runner’ support for being one of the earliest communities in the country to prepare a NDP. Since then, the Parish Council and local volunteers who formed a steering group, have worked hard to involve the community as widely as possible and have prepared a plan reflective of the matters important to Fernhurst, its residents, businesses and community groups.

The Fernhurst NDP will now help guide planning decision about Fernhurst and will be a crucial part of the development plan for the South Downs National Park as it provides planning policy for one of the key major brownfield sites in the National Park – Syngenta. This policy ensures there will be a sustainable mix of employment and much-needed new homes as the site is redeveloped, with a strong recognition of the need for smaller and affordable homes in the community.

The South Downs National Park Authority continues to work with more than 40 Neighbourhood Plan groups across the National Park. We are committed to supporting local communities within the National Park in taking a more active role in planning for the future of their own communities.