Have your say on master plan for town's future
HOW would you like to see the centre of Sleaford develop in the coming years?
People in the town are to be asked to put forward their views as North Kesteven District Council prepares to put together a master plan for the town to coordinate the way Sleaford develops over the next 20 to 25 years.
The council is drawing together partners to identify all of the issues associated with Sleaford's recent rapid growth.
They will also be examining the potential for further expansion and pinpoint areas of shortage in terms of jobs, retail and economic activity, affordable homes, leisure provision and other needs.
The aim is to then spend the summer in extensive consultation to develop the Sleaford master plan by the end of the year. It will be a document that sets out a long term vision for Sleaford.
Leader of North Kesteven District Council, Coun Marion Brighton, said: "It is essential that a level of growth is achieved in Sleaford to maintain and develop its existing retail, leisure, employment and housing.
"The master plan will be essential to ensure all new developments are well integrated into what we have already done to maximise benefit to existing and future communities in an enhanced market town.
"We are fortunate in that many people have been attracted by Sleaford's good quality of life, low crime rate, relatively low house prices and good quality education, but that growth does place pressure on existing infrastructure.
"That is why we need a clear plan of what is required and where, to promote a co-ordinated approach instead of piecemeal development."
People who live, work and visit Sleaford will have the opportunity to feed into this major project, giving their views on a range of issues, from identifying whether there is a need for new roads or for more affordable housing to improved public transport, reduced traffic congestion and better employment opportunities.
Although the master plan will mainly focus on Sleaford it will take account of the 10-15 mile travel to work radius as it highlights how the town can continue to play its part in meeting local housing need.
Mrs Brighton added: "We are effectively going out to ask local people where they want Sleaford to be in 20 to 25 years time, what they see as its role and function and in what way it should develop to realise those aspirations and achieve their wish list.
"This isn't a district council vision for Sleaford; it has to be Sleaford's vision for their town."
* What are your views on how Sleaford should be developed or improved? You can text us on 81800, starting your message with SSNEWS (for terms and conditions see page 2), or email john.lavery@jpress.co.uk
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Weather for Sleaford
Saturday 11 February 2012
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