Hundreds vote in favour of Newport town plan

People in the town voted overwhelmingly in support of the, which has been designed to protect green spaces and limit development.

The plan got 1,807 votes of support against 320 votes in opposition.

Councillor Tim Nelson, chairman of the plan's steering group, said: "This result is wonderful and very good news for two really big reasons.

"The first is that it is the people's plan. The first early neighbourhood plans in other parishes were often the work of one person, often a consultant, full of ifs, buts and maybes.

"We gritted our teeth and set out to find out what Newport wanted. We wanted as big and inclusive a steering group to take in as wide range of views as possible.This made the process unwieldy and long winded at times, but inclusive.

"The second thing we did was to take the time, and discipline to make sure our plan, Newport's plan, was properly and legally aligned with the Telford & Wrekin Council local plan. This has been really important, because it meant that we don't conflict the council planning officers when they take account of Newport's policies."

The neighbourhood development plan was already used to refuse an application in Forton Road, despite not yet having come to public referendum.

"It has real teeth, which have been used," Councillor Nelson said. "And it will be used again to protect green spaces, to one day restore the canal, improve Water Lane, promote biodiversity and more.

"For the town council, it has been a team effort and here I'll pay tribute to Councillors Lyn Fowler and Peter Scott, and deputy clerk Sheila Atkinson who throughout the process has been tireless.

"I feel privileged too that here we are with a win. It's quite unusual to be involved with and lead from start to finish, through some dark times, an important piece of work that finally comes to fruition, and serves the people."

Councillor Peter Scott, the town's mayor and member of the group behind the plan, said: "I am very pleased that we managed to get a resolution on this plan.

"My thanks go to fellow group members Councillor Lyn Fowler, Councillor Tim Nelson and our deputy clerk Sheila Atkinson, and of course to the good people of Newport who turned out to vote."