A NEIGHBOURHOOD plan has been submitted for independent examination.

In response to public feedback, Shipston’s draft plan has been developed to address housing growth, improved infrastructure, traffic management, parking, flood defences, the heritage of the town centre and improved social and sporting facilities.

Meeting the needs of an ageing population, an improved environment promoting health, wellbeing and access to open spaces are also issues that were discussed.

Shipston Town Council has now passed Shipston’s draft Neighbourhood Plan to Stratford District Council.

The draft plan has been developed by a team of community volunteers over the past four years, with support from Shipston Town Council.

The wide-ranging plan covers the period from 2016 to 2031, and looks at a broad range of planning issues including housing, infrastructure, the environment and the local economy.

Stratford District Council will run a final six-week consultation on Shipston’s draft Neighbourhood Plan, before submitting it for independent examination to ensure the plan meets legal requirements.

Assuming it withstands scrutiny, a final plan will be prepared, incorporating any required amendments. Shipston residents will then decide whether to adopt the plan via a local referendum.

Town Mayor, Dan Scobie, said: “Submitting Shipston’s draft neighbourhood plan to Stratford District Council represents an important step in our journey towards having an adopted plan for Shipston, which will help guide future planning decisions in the town.

“On behalf of Shipston Town Council, I would like to sincerely thank the volunteers that have worked so hard to achieve this milestone - we are extremely grateful for their commitment to this vital project.”

Dates of the public consultation will be published by Stratford District Council.

Residents will be able to view hard copies of the draft plan at New Clark House or Shipston Library.

The plan is also available to download at www.shipstonnp.org and will be made available via Stratford District Council’s website during the consultation period.