Issue - meetings

The purpose of this report is to enable the Policy and Resources Committee to consider allowing the Batchworth Neighbourhood Development Plan to proceed to public referendum on 1 May 2025.

The Chair, Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst, asked Councillor Andrea Fraser whether she could approach the matter with an open mind, which Councillor Fraser did.

It was confirmed that if agreed, it was the Council’s duty to promote that a Neighbourhood Plan Referendum would take place, and, for example, poll cards would be issued.

In response to a query on processes for neighbourhood plans, the Chair reminded members that the meeting was to consider the Neighbourhood Plan referendum for Batchworth, and not general principles of neighbourhood planning.

The proposal was moved by Councillor Giles-Medhurst,  seconded by Councillor Chris Lloyd, and agreed by general assent.