Axminster does not have its own Neighbourhood Plan yet, but it is on the way.

I chair the group of townspeople and councillors, which has been tasked to establish what residents want to see in terms of housing, roads and footpaths, infrastructure, green spaces and industrial development over the next twenty years in our town. Without a Plan of our own, we are at the mercy of planners and developers who have no connection to, or understanding of, Axminster. So please help us to get it done.

We have gone out to public consultation, which is open until the 5th November. The steering group has produced a draft plan ready for the next stage but we need you to complete a survey on the policies section of the plan before we can move on. It’s a long section and some of it is in complex technical language, but it is essential for us to know whether you are with us in our call for better, cleaner, greener developments. Are we on track to make a strong, effective case for Axminster?

Or have we got it all wrong? Your views will make all the difference to what we submit to East Devon District Council to be included in their overall Local Plan. We want your voice to be heard. This is an occasion where we really cannot do it without you! The more feedback we receive, the more we can produce a plan that reflects the wants and needs of our many residents and not just a small group of volunteers (however dedicated and hard-working they are).

Please take the time to visit the town website and look for the section labelled Neighbourhood Plan Public Consultation, or pop into the Council Offices in the Guildhall and pick up a paper copy. There are links to more detailed sections of the plan if you need further information as you go through the survey. Don’t worry if you don’t or can’t answer all the questions; as long as you press the ‘submit’ button at the end, any answers you give will count.

Remember, remember the 5th of November, it’s your deadline. Thank you

Councillor Bernie Steadman

Chair, Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group

Axminster Town Council