Residents vote to adopt neighbourhood plan
Residents of Audley have voted in favour of a plan shaping the future of their rural area.
A referendum held in the area on Thursday, 25 September, had 1,228 people vote in favour of its adoption and 214 against. The turnout was 23 per cent.
Audley Rural Parish Council’s neighbourhood plan does not propose housing site allocations, as that is part of the proposed Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council Local Plan.
It does describe how the parish council sees the area progressing sustainably to 2042 and details priorities for neighbourhood needs, conservation and growth, while keeping green spaces, supporting community facilities and protecting community landmarks.
Now ratified at referendum, the Council will shortly adopt the Neighbourhood Development Plan. Following the referendum result, the Plan has the same legal status as a local plan and comes into force as part of the statutory development plan.
Applications for planning permission will be determined in accordance with the policies in the Neighbourhood Plan in the relevant area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise.
Census information from 2021 shows that the population of Audley Rural Parish is home to 8,300 people in 3,700 households – threequarters of which are privately owned.
Almost one in five (19 per cent) is aged under 20, while 24 per cent of the population are over-65. Figures also show that 13 per cent of households had no vehicle and 58 per cent of people were classed as ‘economically active’.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council managed the referendum for Audley Rural Parish Council.
More details at: https://www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/downloads/download/1363/declaration-of-results-for-audley-neighbourhood-planning-referendum-2025