Neighbourhood Development Plan
In 2018 Goodworth Clatford became one of the first communities locally to produce a Neighbourhood Development Plan. This was in response to the Government's ‘Neighbourhood Planning scheme’ which allows Parish residents to have their say regarding our village and its future. The plan is now over 5 years old and the Parish Council is working on an updated plan. As Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) are currently developing their Local Plan 2040, the Parish Council will take the opportunity to reflect the TVBC plan in our own Neighbourhood Plan as well as influencing the TVBC plan during the consultation plan.
Our original Neighbourhood plan reflected the views of the parish. Through various surveys and consultations, the community expressed its wish to support sustainable development consistent with the environment and amenity value that Goodworth Clatford provided, whilst retaining the unique rural character of the Parish. Residents and visitors particularly valued the Parish’s secluded setting and separation from other communities, its open spaces and views, the Conservation Area, historic buildings and the network of footpaths allowing access to the surrounding countryside and woodlands.
A Steering Committee led the planning, supported by a large number of volunteers over a period of almost 2 years. The Plan was founded on a significant evidence base that was compiled, including four detailed Community Reports on aspects of land use, development and the environment. That work provided the basis for the final document.
The Neighbourhood Development Plan produced in 2018 reflects the community’s demonstrable desire for an incremental, organic approach to future development. The preference is for high quality conversions and individual dwellings to match the existing character and density of the village, to be mainly located within the defined settlement boundary. The Parish Council believes that the detailed policies and design principles in the Neighbourhood Development Plan continue to deliver on the Vision and Objectives of the community, and will provide for sustainable development in Goodworth Clatford over the Plan period whilst preserving or enhancing the valued character and features of the Parish.
While development in the Built Environment is a significant part of the plan, it also reflects the parish's views on the environment and countryside as well as the community, cultural and business amenities in the village.
Below you will find the current 2018 plan and supporting documentation. If you have any questions regarding the plan, the proposed update to the plan or would like to volunteer to assist in that update please contact the Parish Clerk at [email protected]