Time to Plan

Time to Plan is our campaign aimed at getting local people engaged in planning for the future of the Mendip District. It will inform two key plans for the area - The Mendip Sustainable Community Strategy and the Local Development Framework Core Strategy by understanding what people value or want changed in the places where they live, work or visit, public service organisations can make better informed decisions that reflect longer term community aspirations.

What's Happening Now?

On 13^th February we concluded a 2½ month consultation period. During this period local people, community groups and a range of public, private and voluntary organisations were asked to respond to a published consultation paper. The consultation paper set out a range of options and further questions which will now help the council to understand how it, in partnership with other interests, can tackle the challenges that face the area and deliver sustainable patterns of development.

A summary of the responses to the Time to Plan campaign can be viewed on the Consultation Responses Summary Report. The second part of this report needs to be read alongside the questions and background material that was set out in the Time to Plan Consultation Paper. By clicking on the questions in the Consultation Responses Summary Report, you can view the supporting background material which will help you to understand the responses received.

Further details about this consultation period and other work to date can be seen on the Time to Plan: The Process so Far

What is the next stage in the process?

Local Development Framework Core Strategy : During the period leading up to the autumn of 2009, officers of the council will be analysing the many responses received and following up issues with relevant organisations. Following this, 'Preferred Options' will begin to emerge which, based on the consultation and evidence, appear to be the most appropriate way to tackle the issues in hand. The selection of Preferred Options will be informed by a Sustainability Appraisal as well as other appropriate tests, such as financial viability.

In the autumn, the council will publish these Preferred Options for consultation to seek further views and refinements before elected councillors have to make key decisions, in light of the consultation response, about the content which will then be developed into the draft Core Strategy.

Sustainable Community Strategy : Once the Vision for Mendip and the associated strategic objectives have been refined in light of the consultation responses, the Mendip Strategic Partnership will come together to agree priorities for action, checking that they that reflect the views and information gathered throughout the Time to Plan engagement programme.

They will then develop detailed action plans with clear timescales and measurable targets. These targets will be used to track progress towards achieving objectives, and will allow local people to assess and challenge the role and value of the Mendip Strategic Partnership in achieving better outcomes for the communities of Mendip.

Contact

Last Updated

12 May 2009

Page last updated on 12 May 2009