We need you!

Published: 26 November 2024

A working group (NPAG), set up by the Parish Council, has been looking at our village Neighbourhood Plan (really a development plan for the village) – an excellent plan, but one which was created more than a decade ago. Many of you, we hope, will remember consultation events set up last Winter in the Village Hall and the Deepdale Community Centre held to explore if and how our Neighbourhood Plan should be revised, and brought up to date. You may remember the banners and posters we used – ‘An Even Better Boston Spa – Be Part of the Journey’ was, and still is, our strapline. In addition to these two events, there was an online consultation which took place over the Summer, and a further opportunity to share your views at the July village festival.

We gathered a huge amount of information, views, aspirations - as well as grumbles – all very, very important to us, and we are very grateful for all the contributions people who live, work and enjoy spending time in Boston Spa have made to the consultations – every single comment has been recorded and is being used to shape what will become our updated Plan.

It will come as no great surprise that the themes we have identified for the revised Plan are very similar, though not identical, to those in the current Plan. So, was it worth all the effort if there is little change? We would argue yes. The world has moved on a lot since the original Plan was written more than a decade ago – more people are working from home; climate issues are even more urgent; local housing issues and needs are even more pressing for our village, to name but a few, and these things, amongst other new developments and aspirations, need to be reflected and updated in our revised Plan.

So, below are the five priority areas we intend to build the revised Plan around:

Energy

To promote, encourage and facilitate energy reduction (including embedded energy) and renewable energy solutions and make Boston Spa a more sustainable place

Buildings

To ensure that both the development of new buildings and the adaption of existing buildings respect the special character of Boston Spa and meet the housing needs of existing and future populations whilst incorporating stretching and progressive sustainability standards.

Transport

To work with others to improve public transport, reduce traffic and increase opportunities for active travel and seek other pioneering ways that Boston Spa can be more and better connected.

Green Spaces and Biodiversity

To promote, protect and further develop green spaces and connected wildlife habitats and make Boston Spa an even more sustainable, safer and healthier place to live

Business & Community

To preserve the distinctive and diverse character of Boston Spa so that it becomes an even better place to work and do business and to provide an attractive environment for shopping and socialising.

As well as exploring the above five areas, there are themes which will impinge on all of them – addressing climate change; diversity and inclusion; and social, physical and mental wellbeing.

What next?

In this article we were keen to do two things – one, update people on where we are with the Plan and share our new priority areas (and of course, say thank you for your input so far) and two, ask you for your help.

We are looking for people who can help us work on each of the five priority areas. If you can spare some time to attend a few meetings, and/or do some research, we would love you to join one of our small teams – maybe you have local knowledge, some professional expertise or just an interest in one of our priority areas? We’d like to have a good cross section of people from all ages and backgrounds – so we can create a plan for an Even Better Boston Spa that reflects the needs and aspirations of everyone.

If you think you might be able to help or simply want to find out more, please contact the Deborah Marshall, Clerk to the Parish Council at clerk@bostonspapc.org.uk or by post at The Parish Office, Village Hall, 199 High Street, Boston Spa Wetherby LS23 6AA. If you are happy to give us your email address and/or phone number, someone will then get in touch with you to have a chat about what is involved.

Many hands make light work as the saying goes – so please do consider volunteering to join one of our teams – whatever age you are – whatever your background – if you live, work or spend time in Boston Spa, you can help shape the future of our village.

NPAG, December 2024.