Complete Survey

What is Neighbourhood Planning

Neighbourhood Planning gives our community the direct power to develop a shared vision to shape the future of our Town. It provides a powerful set of tools for local people to plan for the type of environment, facilities & infrastructure we would like to see in Chilton.

What are the benefits?

It enables communities to play a much stronger role in shaping the place in which we live and work, supporting new development proposals.  This is because the Neighbourhood Plan is approved as a statutory document to sit alongside the Durham County Council Local Plan It will put in place policies that will deliver our Vision for Chilton.

  • Community led development plans; housing needs, transport, access to facilities and services for all ages, feeling safe and tackling antisocial behaviour
  • Identifying and preserving sites, buildings and spaces of local significance
  • Supporting the protection of public and green space; play & recreation, increasing biodiversity
  • Producing an evidence base for the allocation of public funding based on local need

What is the process?

There is a legal framework to produce a Neighbourhood Plan

1. Apply to the Durham County Council for designation of the Neighbourhood area.

2. Chilton Town Council, supported by an advisory group must engage with you as a community to find out what is important about where you live and what is our vision for the local area.

3. Once all evidence is gathered to back up the ideas you want to see, the next part of the process is to write the planning policies.

4. Once your draft neighbourhood plan is complete, it is submitted to the  local authority.

5. They will check that all the correct procedures have been followed and that all required documents have been submitted, the local authority will then arrange for an independent examiner to check that the plan meets the basic conditions.

6. Finally, if your plan passes these tests, the Durham County Council will organise a public referendum (vote), so that everyone who lives in Chilton can decide whether they support it.

7. If more than 50% of the voters are in favour of the plan, the local authority must bring it into force. This means that it will form part of the statutory development plan for that area, so any decisions about whether or not to grant planning permission in the neighbourhood area in the future must be made by taking your neighbourhood plan into consideration

Where are we in the process?

We have passed stage one of the process: the Chilton Town Council application to designate the neighbourhood area was approved on the 22 nd August 2024.  https://www.durham.gov.uk/media/45229/Chilton-Neighbourhood-Area-designation-
Approval-Notice-and-Map/pdf/ChiltonNADesignationApprovalNoticeAndMap.pdf?m=1724346382197
Following the approval we have established an advisory group of local representatives, including service and leisure providers, community groups and businesses to help develop the plan. Will be launching initial community survey on 7 th November 2024.

How do I get involved?

There are a number of ways you can get involved and we want residents of all ages to be engaged in the development of the Chilton Plan including:

  • Complete the survey, either online or pick up a paper copy from Hutton House
  • Attend a public meeting
  • Be part of a focus group, arrange one for your community group or organisation
  • Use the drop-in’s session
  • And enter the competitions.
 
“We have a proud heritage, a strong community spirit and, through this planning process, a real opportunity to shape a vision for Chilton that not only meets our needs today and also makes sure we will flourish in the future.” 

Cllr Sue Reece –
Neighbourhood Plan Lead

Tell us what you think about Chilton

  • Identity and Belonging
  • Care and Maintenance of Chilton
  • Feeling Safe
  • Housing and Community
  • Facilities and Services
  • Play and Recreation
  • Green and Natural Spaces – Biodiversity
  • Important Buildings and Spaces – historical value
  • Public Transport, Traffic & Parking
  • Local Economy – work & volunteering
Identity and Belonging
How Chilton looks, our history and what people think and feel about it gives us our sense of community.
Care and Maintenance of Chilton
Places that are cared for can make us feel positive and secure, while those that are not looked after can affect our overall wellbeing.
Feeling Safe
How safe Chilton is will support community activity, affect wellbeing and influence how and where we spend our time.
Housing and Community
Good towns have a mix of housing (e.g. family homes, bungalows, social housing) in attractive, safe and connected communities for different types of families and people.
Facilities and Services
When facilities and services in our Town, such as schools, doctors, shops, libraries, places of worship, social care and community groups are easy to access locally, this can help people live independent, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Play and Recreation
Play and Recreation can improve the quality of our lives and our health and wellbeing. Good opportunities for play are essential for children's development.
Green and Natural Spaces – Biodiversity
Good quality green spaces provide many benefits - improving health and wellbeing, supporting wildlife reducing flooding and improving air quality.
Important Buildings and Spaces – historical value
Important buildings, monuments and spaces can support our sense of identity, make us proud of our heritage and/or act as landmarks and way-finders.
Public Transport, Traffic & Parking
Good transport, traffic and parking arrangements help make the most of our Town. Good public transport is affordable, reliable and well-connected
Local Economy – work & volunteering
A strong local economy with a mix of business can help make Chilton feel active and attractive- most people enjoy spending time in lively places.
Previous slide
Next slide
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS SURVEY
image001 (3)
Quick Access

Scan the QR Code to Take The Survey!

Experience seamless connectivity with our quick-access features.

Information

Providing a Wide Range of Main Services for Chilton Town Council - Your Trusted Partner

Finance

Minutes & Agenda

50f9ebe6-8321-416d-879f-43c8bab01316

Our Councillors

Our Policies

TO VIEW ALL SERVICES PLEASE VISIT CHILTON TOWN COUNCIL MAIN WEBSITE

The Chilton Resident's Survey is open

Chilton Neighbourhood Plan: Have your say on our Future!

COMPLETE SURVEY
Skip to content