AFTER four years of hard work, residents are being invited to have their say on a neighbourhood plan.

A referendum will be held on Thursday, October 26 and all those on the electoral register in Uplyme Parish can cast their vote to indicate if they support it.

The Uplyme Neighbourhood Plan group has been consulting on this document with residents and businesses since 2013. Following many meetings, revisions, examination by an independent examiner and approval by East Dorset District Council, it is now ready for final adoption.

But first, it must pass the vote.

If more than 50 per cent of residents support the plan, it will become part of Development Plan for the area and used by Uplyme Parish Council and East Devon DC in recommending and making decisions for the future.

A spokesman for the Uplyme Neighbourhood Plan group said: "It is therefore important to vote if you wish to influence how Uplyme Parish develops over the next 15 years or so. Make sure you are on the electoral register in good time."

The last date for voter registration with EDDC is Tuesday, October 10. Postal vote applications must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday, October 11. Proxy vote applications must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday, October 18 and the day of the poll is Thursday, October 26 from 7am to 10pm.

Topics in the plan include:

  • Revisions to the built-up area boundary
  • A proposal for a Conservation Area
  • Areas of valued green space to be preserved 
  • Three ‘exception’ sites for local affordable housing
  • Other detailed policies and suggestions for preserving and enhancing our special local environment
  • Policies to support education, leisure activities and local businesses
  • Proposals for traffic improvements (including the stretch near Crogg Lane) 

There will be an exhibition in the village hall on Saturday, October 21 from 10am to 1pm. 

The group spokesman added: "This will be your last chance to see a presentation of what’s in the plan and ask questions about it before the referendum, so please drop in and see what is covered."

A copy of the final plan is available to download on the Uplyme Neighbourhood Plan website at uplymeparishcouncil.org/neighbourhood-plan/ 

Printed copies are also available to read at the village shop, the Talbot Arms, the church, the Black Dog tearooms, Raymond’s Hill Post Office and the Village Hall. People are asked not to take these copies away.