Issue - meetings

Council 

Agreed          to

A)       Note that the referendum for the Fulbourn Neighbourhood Plan took place on 9 February 2023.

B)       “Make” (adopt) the Fulbourn Neighbourhood Plan, as it was a successful referendum. The made version of the Plan is attached as an Appendix to the report.

Ron Ward, the facilitator of the Fulbourn Neighbourhood Plan, explained that unfortunately Mary Drage, Chair of Fulbourn Parish Council, could not be present at the meeting.

Ron Ward stated that Fulbourn was a historic village, that dated back to Roman times. Many of the buildings constructed between the 14^th and 18^th century were still standing, including the pub and St Vigors Church. Fulbourn was expected to grow from a population of 5,000 to 6,000 by 2031. There were currently 4,500 jobs in the village.

Ron Ward explained that the Neighbourhood Plan had taken five years to create and he thanked the volunteers from the village who had carried out the work. He also thanked the officers of the Council who had supported the process and the Parish Council, which had contributed time, effort and funding to the Plan.

Ron Ward explained that the aim of the Plan was to ensure that the assets of the village were protected for future generations. He stated that he was meeting officers from the Planning Service next month to discuss how the Plan would influence the planning process.

Councillor Dr Tumi Hawkins stated that this was the eighth Neighbourhood Plan to be completed in the District. It had been formally submitted in October 2021 and subjected to a referendum on 9 February 2023, where there had been a turnout of 17% and 91.93% had voted in favour. The Plan had eight objectives and 12 polices to deliver. Its main aim was to maintain the character of the village and all planning applications in the village would need to comply with the development plan. Councillor Dr Tumi Hawkins thanked the officers in the Planning Service for their efforts in supporting the development of the Neighbourhood Plan.

Councillor Graham Cone spoke in favour of the Plan. He praised the work of the local volunteers, the resident groups, the Parish Council and District Councillors, as well as the supporting officers. He stated that the work on the Plan had brought different parts of the village closer together to develop something that would protect the character of Fulbourn for future generations.

Councillor Carla Hofman expressed her appreciation for all the work that had gone into the Plan and the passion shown by local residents for their village.

Councillor John Williams thanked all the volunteers for delivering such a comprehensive and robust Neighbourhood Plan, which would have to be considered by the Council when determining planning applications in the village.

Councillor Dr Tumi Hawkins proposed and Councillor John Williams seconded the recommendations in the report. A vote was taken and by affirmation Council 

Agreed          to

A)       Note that the referendum for the Fulbourn Neighbourhood Plan took place on 9 February 2023.

B)       “Make” (adopt) the Fulbourn Neighbourhood Plan, as it was a successful referendum. The made version of the Plan is attached as an Appendix to the report.