Decision details

Consideration of a Community Governance Review of the Parishes of Longstanton and Oakington & Westwick, Prompted by the Development at Northstowe

Decision Maker: Civic Affairs Committee

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Decisions:

The Northstowe Healthy New Town Programme Lead presented this report, which invited the Committee to consider a Community Governance Review, in recognition of the emergent new community of Northstowe within the parishes of Longstanton and Oakington & Westwick.

 

Increases in Northstowe electorate

It was noted that by April 2021 it was estimated that Northstowe would have 1,164 electors, compared to 1,174 in Oakington and 2,567 in Longstanton (current figures). The Review had been delayed by a year to allow the population of Northstowe to develop. They had been represented in the meantime by Longstanton Parish Council, an experienced parish council, which had addressed the concerns of the new community.

 

Amending parish and ward boundaries

It was noted that a small number of residents of Westwick lived in the affected area and that any alteration of the parish boundaries could be contentious. The Electoral Services Manager explained that this Community Governance Review was likely to result in the alteration of ward boundaries which would necessitate the involvement of the Boundary Commission for England. Northstowe had an urban design, which was distinct from the surrounding villages.

 

Timetable of the Review

It was understood that the Community Governance Review needed to be concluded within a year.

 

The affected parish councils had been consulted and supported the instigation of the Review. The Northstowe Healthy New Town Programme Lead explained that the views of Longstanton Parish Council had just been received. They supported the review and wanted input with regards to the timetable.

 

It was hoped that the results of the consultation would be considered by the Committee at its meeting in March.

 

The Committee

 

AGREED

 

A)        To commence with a Community Governance Review of the parishes of Longstanton and Oakington & Westwick based on the draft terms of reference in Appendix A.

 

B)        That officers should take into consideration the views of the parish councils when determining the timing of the review.

Publication date: 22/11/2019

Date of decision: 29/10/2019

Decided at meeting: 29/10/2019 - Civic Affairs Committee

Accompanying Documents: