Neighbourhood Plan Update

Dear Members,

Since our last communication in February, the Neighbourhood Plan has passed examination by an Independent Planning Inspector, Waverley Borough Council have accepted the Plan with recommended modifications and a REFERENDUM on its adoption has now been announced for 7th October 2021. If more than 50% of residents vote to adopt the Neighbourhood Plan then it will be used by Waverley Borough Council in determining planning applications in the area. If more than 50% vote No the Plan will not be used.

To vote in the referendum you must be on the electoral register for the Plan area which includes the settlements of Beacon Hill, Critchmere, Grayswood, Haslemere, Hindhead and Shottermill. Residents within this area will receive a poll card by post as per an election. Any residents not on the Electoral Roll but wishing to take part have until midnight Tuesday 21st September to complete registration to vote at: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. 

You can vote in person on the day of the referendum, however, with the current pandemic in mind, you may wish to give additional consideration to voting by post or proxy. If this is the case for you or someone you know, bear in mind that postal vote applications must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at WBC Council Offices, The Burys, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1HR by 5pm 22nd September and applications to vote by proxy by 5pm 29th September.

Given the Vision’s close involvement with the process, we have elected to adhere to the same rules governing Councils’ conduct during the referendum; namely to retain a neutral stance as to the pros and cons of the Plan. This does not however, prohibit us encouraging all eligible voters to do so. We would also like to encourage you to view the final Neighbourhood Plan in order to make your best judgement. It can be found on the Waverley Council website www.waverley.gov.uk (search for ‘Haslemere Neighbourhood Plan referendum') or on the Haslemere Town Council website haslemeretc.org/neighbourhood-plan. Links to the evidence base can also be found here.

If you do have any queries, please don't hesitate to get in touch at info@haslemerevision.org.uk.

Thank you.