Salisbury's Neighbourhood Plan voted through by residents
The results of a referendum in the city have been confirmed
A Neighbourhood Plan for Salisbury has been approved by the city's residents - following a referendum.
The SNDP document sets out possible development areas, employment space, and which land should be protected, to help shape future planning decisions made by Wiltshire Council.
A public vote was held yesterday (Thursday 27th February) to ask people living within the Salisbury city boundary if they agreed with adopting the Plan.
A total of 4,600 ballots were cast, which works out as a turnout of 14.5%.
That's around average for a local referendum.
3,940 were a 'yes' vote for the Neighbourhood Plan, with 647 voting 'no'.
The Plan will now be formally approved, and submitted to Wiltshire Council for their consideration in planning outcomes.
Cllr Annie Riddle, Chairman of the SNDP steering group, said:
"I'm delighted that a convincing majority of those who voted could see the benefits of having a Neighbourhood Plan.
"This will entitle the City Council to a significantly bigger share of funding from developers working within our parish, to be used to provide facilities for our community.
"And it gives legal weight to local people's views on Salisbury's needs and their hopes for its future, which will have to be taken into account by planners.
"I'd like to thank everyone who turned out to vote, the councillors who got involved over the past six years, and our consultant, Andrea Pellegram, for her tireless enthusiasm.
"Most importantly, we couldn't have done it without a team of hugely hardworking volunteer residents who offered their professional expertise in compiling all the evidence. For them, in particular, it's been a marathon!"