Much Wenlock to help pilot new planning powers

Much Wenlock has been unveiled as one of 17 areas across the country to pilot the coalition Government's new planning powers. The town is to receive £20,000 to help design and shape its future growth. Much Wenlock has been unveiled as one of 17 areas across the country to pilot the coalition Government's new planning powers. The town is to receive £20,000 to help design and shape its future growth. The Government-backed scheme aims to give local people a real voice on development in their communities. The new powers will help communities determine everything from the locations of shops, offices and schools, to setting standards of design for new housing. Under the system, residents will be able to decide the types of development given automatic planning permission through a Neighbourhood Development Order.

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Supporting image for story: Much Wenlock to help pilot new planning powers

Much Wenlock has been unveiled as one of 17 areas across the country to pilot the coalition Government's new planning powers. The town is to receive £20,000 to help design and shape its future growth.

The Government-backed scheme aims to give local people a real voice on development in their communities.

The new powers will help communities determine everything from the locations of shops, offices and schools, to setting standards of design for new housing.

Under the system, residents will be able to decide the types of development given automatic planning permission through a Neighbourhood Development Order.

If approved by a local referendum, a council will need to adopt a neighbourhood plan providing it is in line with wider ambitions for growth in their area.

Much Wenlock Town Council is keen to create a neighbourhood development plan which helps explore how to provide much-needed local housing, support high street shops and develop local job opportunities.

It also wants to see a bigger medical centre, better leisure services for young people and the disabled, parking facilities, improved road safety and traffic management.

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Lesley Durbin, hailed the announcement as marvellous news. She said: "This will help Much Wenlock to really put into place the forward planning which is right for the town."