Seven years ago the Parish Council, working with the community in Badby developed our own Neighbourhood Plan. This set out collectively what did and did not want to see in terms of future development in our rural village. Essentially, we were happy for good quality sites within the village boundary but did not want any further development outside the village boundary, which would compromise our location within an area of outstanding natural beauty.
We now face an unprecedented situation as a Parish Council and community. As you may be aware, we have received Planning Applications for developments outside the village boundary, one of which has been approved after appeal and it is clear that the WNC Planning Department and Planning Inspectorate are not taking our Neighbourhood Plan into consideration, as they should by law. We are being unduly ignored.
Our view as a Parish Council is that if we do not stand up for our Neighbourhood Plan, Badby as we know it could be altered forever. We have therefore sought and taken strong legal advice backing our case and are taking this latest decision to Judicial Review in the High Court.
However, this is not without considerable financial risk, and we are seeking the backing of the Village to both our action so far and a fund-raising drive so that we can continue and ensure our Neighbourhood Plan continues to be a potent defence in keeping Badby rural and beautiful.
Please come along to our village briefing to hear the story so far, next steps, and how you can help us in this important campaign.