Steve Foulkes, Leader of the Council introduced himself to the meeting, and expressed that he is introducing the Neighbourhood Plan to make Wirral a better place to live in.  He wants the Council and Communities to work together,

Each area has different needs, he wants to revitalise the Area Forums and to help guide Wirral Council to distribute money into the communities.

Kevin McCallum delivered a power point presentation to the meeting to explain how the Neighbourhood Plan will go ahead.

The consultation process will be taking place across the borough at various locations and events.  (Shops, summer fairs etc)  If anyone knows of any events taking place and would like the team to come along, then contact the team and it will be arranged.

Consultation Process  July – September 2011

Analyse  September

Results  October

Findings  December

The findings will be presented to Cabinet in December.

Q.  What makes this different from the previous Community Engagement Team?

A.  This is open to all – It is a vision for the community.

Q.  Why these two months, when schools are closed and people are away?

A.  Unfortunately the time scales are set.  Schools will be targeted.  It has to be completed by the end of the calendar year.

Q.  Is the Neighbourhood Plan the same as the Localism Bill?

A.  No, it is not the same – the wider issue is where the resources of Wirral Council go.

Q.  There is some confusion over the 2 plans?

A.  The 2 are linked together.  The Neighbourhood Plan is to encourage more people in the community to get involved.

Q.  It might be an idea to look back at previous experiences with the Community Engagement Team and take it from there.

A.  The idea is to start spending smarter, work together and getting peoples priorities.

Q.  I Agree that everyone should work together – but it seems to have been glossed over that a community that doesn’t want the planning permission to be granted for a new Sainsbury’s in Greasby.  Can we take this protest to neighbourhood plan or the Localism Bill?

A.  There has been no answer as yet to the planning application.  The Neighbourhood Plans or Localism Bill won’t be ready in time for this.  The Planning department will decide.  It is advised to lobby members on the committee and give reasons for refusal.  Be aware appeals cost when it goes to court.

Q.  Is the Government backing communities in issues like this with Sainsbury’s taking business off local businesses?

A.  The law states that competition is not an issue.  The Planning Officer will take into account people’s feelings. 

Q.  There is a meeting on Monday in Woodchurch for the Community – Would you like to be involved in this meeting?

A.  Yes

Q.  The roof needs replacing at the Community Centre and it would be an idea for it to be replaced with Solar panels.  Is this the sort of plan that can be funded through the Energy Efficiency Fund that was mentioned in the Neighbourhood Plan?

A.  Yes.

Please contact Andy Brannan with details of any events taking place in the next few months if you wish for the Neighbourhood Plan Team to attend.