Parish Chairman’s Notes October 2024
The Referendum on the Capel Neighbourhood Plan (CNP) took place on September 5th. The result was YES 412 NO 47. Given the dire weather on the day and that this was the third election in four months the turnout of just under 25% was respectable. So, the plan is now made, and it means that TWBC will need to follow the guidance of the CNP when considering planning issues in the parish. The parish council will also now be able to quote the relevant CNP policy, where relevant, when consulted about an application. Thank you to all who took the time to read the documentation and to vote with special thanks to all those on the CNP Working Group who gave up so much time over the last four and a half years preparing what a local resident has called “ a comprehensive and detailed vision for Capel to meet local needs”.
At the time of writing an extraordinary meeting of the Parish Council is planned for 10th September. The focus of the meeting is the future of the Village Hall following issues with water ingress from the roof and heating problems that have impacted the Capel Preschool and other users. The Parish Council is in dialogue with the CCA trustees who manage the Hall, and the aim of the meeting is to plan a way forward given the age and condition of the building. It is hoped to report the results of the meeting next month and the parish council will consult residents about the implications of any decision in the coming months.
The next meetings of the Parish Council are on Monday 30th September and Monday 28th October at 7:30 in the Village Hall. Meetings are open to the public. (The Planning Committee meets beforehand at 7:00 on both days). We will be co-opting a new councillor in September to fill one of the two vacancies we have. We still have one more vacant seat – we would be pleased to welcome anyone else interested in serving their community as a Parish Councillor. If you are interested, please contact clerk@capel-pc.org.uk for more details.
Hugh Patterson