Stokesley residents given chance to choose what they would like to see in their town

Residents are being given the chance to choose what they would like to see in their town as part of an official planning project.

Around 20 people gathered at Stokesley Parish Church last night to discuss putting together a neighbourhood plan.

This sees a steering group of locals bringing together views on future infrastructure development in Stokesley - including housing, education, transport, health, employment and leisure.

Stewart Brennan addresses the meeting

If agreed, the plan goes to a referendum which would be voted on by all of those living within the plan’s boundaries.

The neighbourhood plan - introduced by the Government in the Localism Act - would then become a legal document if passed, with the same weight as a local plan produced by a council.

The Save Our Stokesley campaign invited Liz Bourne, of independent plan facilitator PLAN-et, to speak at the meeting, give advice and help a steering group apply for grant funding.

Residents give their views on how to develop the area

She said: “Development is going to happen everywhere, but this is the best way to try and control what type of development is brought in, and where.”

Ms Bourne said that a plan usually takes around 12-18 months to come to a referendum, and in the meantime Stokesley residents should put forward what they would like to see happen in their town.