About our neighbourhood development plan
A Neighbourhood Plan is a new way of helping local communities to influence the planning of the area in which they live and work. They were launched as part of Localism Act in 2011, and are increasingly being used by local communities as part of the planning process. Benenden & Iden Green Parish Council decided to create a Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) in spring 2017.
Our NDP has 5 strands, each with dedicated working group: Business, Housing Design, Housing Supply, Landscape & Environment, and Transport & Infrastructure.
The Parish of Benenden in 2035 will be a thriving, peaceful and rural place to live, work and rest. It’s village feel and historic beauty will have been preserved through sympathetic and managed growth. We will have retained our existing major employers. Farming and other small businesses will be encouraged. We will offer everyone the chance to be part of an inclusive and vibrant community.
Our Vision:
Following our first set of workshops we have a vision for the parish:The Parish of Benenden in 2035 will be a thriving, peaceful and rural place to live, work and rest. It’s village feel and historic beauty will have been preserved through sympathetic and managed growth. We will have retained our existing major employers. Farming and other small businesses will be encouraged. We will offer everyone the chance to be part of an inclusive and vibrant community.
We will support:
- Locally led development with a mix of well-designed, high quality, sustainable and affordable housing alongside other homes that enhance the existing built and natural environment.
- Infrastructure enhancements; managing traffic growth, improving connectivity, and expanding community facilities for health & recreation.
- A balanced community; with small businesses and home working providing employment; pubs, clubs and shops providing an active social scene, and quality of life retained through existing green spaces, footpaths and dark skies.
