AFTER several years of public consultation and research, suburban areas of Windsor could finally have their own neighbourhood plan if the referendum is successful.

“Made by Windsorians, for Windsor”, the Windsor Neighbourhood Plan (WNP) sets out planning policies unique to the area that help guide developers when designing and submitting a planning application.

Policies in the WNP, which was unanimously passed by cabinet in January, will focus on key areas such as protecting green, open spaces, and the area’s unique heritage sites, “re-greening” Windsor’s streets, and encouraging high-quality designs with enough parking and amenity space.

If passed at the referendum, councillors on the Royal Borough Development Management Panel and planning officers will have to take the WNP into account when making decisions.

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Following more than six years’ worth of research and consultation, the public will finally be able to vote on the WNP on May 6.

Organisers are calling residents to back the plan as it will help guide developers when they submit plans in unparished Windsor areas, which excludes the town centre, until 2034.

Claire Milne, who has been spearheading the campaign with colleagues, said: “The neighbourhood is made by Windsorians for Windsor.

“In consultation with the community for some years, we got from the community what they valued about Windsor, what they believe is special about it, and as a result, we devised planning policies through a neighbourhood plan to see if we can protect what’s special about Windsor and to improve it.”

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The WNP was originally meant to go to referendum last year but was postponed due to the pandemic.

If passed, the plan will come into effect immediately.

Two public Zoom meetings will be held on April 22 and April 28 at 6:30pm to discuss and answer WNP questions. To be involved, please email info@windsorplan.org.uk.

For more information on the WNP, visit windsorplan.org.uk