Vision Statement
Our Vision is to retain and enhance the existing character of the parish of Gravenhurst as a small, rural, hilltop village with its surrounding farmland and maintain our strong sense of community where people of all ages and backgrounds feel welcome to live, work and study. Small scale, sustainable, sensible growth that is in line with the traditional character and landscape of the parish and which will fulfil the needs and wishes of the community, will be supported.
Why do we need a Neighbourhood Plan?
No one cares about our village more than us, the residents who live here. Having a Neighbourhood Plan for Gravenhurst ensures our requirements on the things that matter for our village are considered when any future development takes place.
Without one, Gravenhurst would not have a voice, in the same way that other villages with a plan do, regarding scale and type of future developments and on how we wish to preserve the assets that we have.
What is a Neighbourhood Plan?
A Neighbourhood Plan is a way for local people to influence the planning and development of the area in which they live and work. It provides residents with an opportunity to shape the future of Gravenhurst Parish.
- Our adopted Gravenhurst Neighbourhood Plan is a legal document setting out what development is acceptable and for what reason. Developers and local authority planners must take notice of the plan when future developments are proposed.
- The Gravenhurst Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group have put together a Neighbourhood Plan for our parish, supported by the Gravenhurst Parish Council.
How does this affect us?
Our Neighbourhood Plan must complies with Central Bedfordshire’s Local Plan and the government’s wider policy of sustainable development. Inevitably, building development will happen in Gravenhurst, but our Neighbourhood Plan ensures that it is in keeping with, and responsive to, our needs. It will also help to ensure the services and facilities we have asked for are a requirement in any new developments.