A report by the Interim Director of Corporate Services informed the Cabinet that the Government had announced a Neighbourhood Planning Vanguard as a pilot for proposals in the Localism Bill, introduced to Parliament in December 2010.

Two community organisations in Wirral had expressed an interest in preparing Neighbourhood Plans for their respective areas and the Council had been asked to endorse and assist in the bid for Vanguard status.

The Vanguard pilot would provide valuable experience in preparing locally-derived proposals, although at this pilot stage, any proposals must conform to existing national and local policy.  The Government’s objective was to promote new development and the Vanguard proposals may be judged by the Government on the extent to which they satisfied this national objective.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)  the submission of two community organisations’ (Devonshire Park Residents’ Association and Hoylake Village Life) proposals for the Neighbourhood Planning Vanguard, which is promoted by the Department for Communities and Local Government be endorsed; and

(2)  agreement be given for officers to assist Devonshire Park Residents’ Association and Hoylake Village Life in determining boundaries and preparing draft Neighbourhood Plans for the two potential pilot areas of Wirral.