How to become part of the committee that will shape town’s future

Residents are being invited to join the Attleborough Neighbourhod Plan committee. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: ©Archant Photographic 2010)

Seven residents are being invited to join the Attleborough Neighbourhood Plan (ANP) committee, forming a 15-strong decision-making body.

The remainder will consist of seven town councillors and one Breckland district councillor.

The Attleborough Neighbourhood Plan was approved by the town in 2017, with a huge majority of 93pc voting in favour. Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2015)

The ANP was approved by the town in 2017, with a huge majority of 93pc voting in favour during a public referendum.

Despite Breckland Council last year approving proposals for 4,000 homes, two primary schools and an £18m link road, progress on delivering the plan has largely stalled.

The Attleborough Neighbourhood Plan on display for local people to examine in 2017. Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2015)

Having assumed the post in July, Attleborough mayor Phil Leslie made taking forward the ANP his key aim and believes the contribution of local people is paramount to revitalising the project.

“The ANP was designed to be a community plan, and to be shaped, led and implemented by the community,” added Mr Leslie. “This has not been the case, and we need to change that as, up until now, it has purely been town council-led.

Progressing the neighbourhood plan is Attleborough mayor Phil Leslie's key aim. Picture: Courtesy of Phil Leslie (Image: Archant)

“Sadly, not only has there been little progress, but also the current governance and operations of the plan have alienated groups and individuals who over many years have helped to drive, shape, and influence the plan.

“We now intend to change that and bring the community back on board.”

Breckland councils planning committee met in Attleborough Town Hall in 2019 and approved 4,000 new homes, two schools and an £18m link road. Picture: David Hannant (Image: David Hannant)

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To manage the process of involving the community, a series of virtual workshops are taking place to present the seven themes of the plan and encourage people to be involved in the sub-committees.

Residents are being invited to join the Attleborough Neighbourhod Plan committee. Picture: Mike Page (Image: Copypright Mike Page, All Rights Reserved Before any use is made of this picture, including dispaly, publication, broadcast,...)

A chairman will be chosen for each sub-committee and they will each be part of the main ANP committee.

With a session for the ‘Local Economy’ theme has already taken place, the six remaining workshops are as follows:

Residents are being invited to join the Attleborough Neighbourhod Plan committee. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant)

• Housing: October 20, 7pm-8pm

• Transport and Communication: October 22, 7pm-8pm

An artist's impression of the linear park, part of the planned 4,000-home development in Attleborough. Picture: JTP Masterplanners (Image: Archant)

• Education: October 27, 7pm-8pm

• Health and Social Care: October 29, 7pm-8pm

• Sports and Community Facilities: November 3, 7pm-8pm

• Environment, Sustainability and Design Quality: November 5, 7pm-8pm

If you wish to attend any of the workshops or would like more information, email councillor Edward Tyrer via ettyrer@hotmail.co.uk.