VOTERS in Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath turned out to have their say in a local referendum on whether Solihull Council should adopt a new Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) for the area.
This NDP which has been produced by the Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath Neighbourhood Forum, is a community- led plan which sets out policies to guide the future use and development of land within the area.
The plan was produced by members of the forum following extensive consultation with local residents and businesses.
It seeks to address views and concerns raised in relation to housing needs, the heritage and character of the area and other planning issues.
Residents were invited to vote in a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ referendum on whether they wanted the council to adopt the plan or not.
The result was a resounding yes with 96 per cent voting in favour.
In total 5,271 local residents turned up to have their say.
Voter turnout was recorded at 35.66 per cent, not far off the rate usually seen for local government elections in the area.
Acting as counting officer for the referendum, Solihull Council chief executive Nick Page said: “I’d like to thank everyone that cast their vote along with all of our election staff who helped make sure the referendum ran so smoothly.”
Solihull Council will now adopt the NDP which will be used as an additional tool to guide all future planning and development decision in the area.
