The above link gives a guide as to how to start a neighbourhood plan. It has been suggested to me that Spooner Row Suton and Wattlefield might want to set up a neighbourhood plan and whilst this seems like a good idea, given the apparent desire of the Planners both near and far to stitch up Spooner row and the immediate surroundings, a quick look at this option does not seem promising and I am not at all sure that South Norfolk, nor our parish (Wymondham) would welcome it BUT I felt at least an e mail (post) to gather views was worth doing.
The logic is that if we do not in some way take control of our own Planning , there are those who are part of Greater Norwich development team who will cheerfully agree to massive development here in Spooner row as long as it does not impact upon them. There are for those who are reading this for the first time, plans afoot to build 6,000 to 10,000 houses here in Spooner row ( see GNDPpost) which of course is 'only an idea' and 'early days and may not happen' BUT given the complete and utter failure of the local Plan to protect us thus far , I am bound to say I am not at all confident about the assertions being given that we need not worry.
Looking at the web link, setting up a Neighbourhood forum is the way forward for a Neighbourhood Plan. They expect people to follow their strict regulations and it says that it involves a lot of work - will enough people have the time to do this? There is a minimum of 21 people needed for a forum and the district council needs to be involved - I suppose that is one way of making the council engage with this community and letting us know what they are planning for us, which so far they haven't. If enough people want to get involved with this then it could be viable so long as the district council don't dominate with their own agenda and remain evasive.
Sorry for an extremely slow response to your post. I am happy to get involved and meet up to discuss a way forward. Perhaps we need to use the message board to drum up support for a face to face meeting of residents living in Spooner Row, perhaps over a beer? The message board although informing does not seem to get action on a number of issues other than making everyone aware of your sterling efforts to defend everyone's posted perspectives with the varying level of local and regional government.
