People power to decide on new planning controls

The plan would set out how people in Bishop's Castle would like to see the town developed

People in Bishop's Castle will be asked whether they want to introduce new guidelines for future developments.

The Shropshire town is due to hold a referendum on 2 May to decide whether a Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) should be adopted.

The document - setting out a vision for the town until 2038 - would have to be considered when councillors decide on future planning applications.

NDPs were introduced in 2011 and allow communities to have a say on issues such as where houses are built and whether they meet local need.

The Bishop's Castle plan has already been drawn up and states the town centre should be a “people-friendly place for small businesses and tourist activities to thrive".

It also asks for new developments within the Bishop’s Castle Conservation Area to complement the local character of the town’s historic buildings.

That would include features such as local materials and decorative facias.

In addition, any major developments would have to show how they would reduce traffic in the conservation area, with projects featuring public artwork looked upon favourably.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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