BISHAMPTON AND THROCKMORTON PARISH COUNCIL

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS: OCTOBER 2003

The battle over the airfield may have been won. Now, a year later, the push is on to win the war. The Government backed down and decided not to build an inappropriate asylum super-camp, for the moment, but that decision is not final nor is it binding on ministers or future Governments.

All the Parish Councils who border Throckmorton airfield are aiming to state what they want to see done with this too tempting site. If we can all agree a concerted plan then our views will gain greater legal weight in decisions about the future.
How the airfield should be developed (or not developed) will be a significant part of the Parish Plans for the four adjoining parishes. Lower Moor have their Plan up and running, Pinvin are considering their first steps and there's a lot of enthusiasm in Wyre Piddle.

Here in Bishampton and Throckmorton, the Parish Plan, coordinated by Toni Gilligan, is really moving ahead. A survey of one-in-five households has proved fascinating with people expressing their opinions on issues as diverse as the state of the roads and health services. The main preoccupation, however, remains the uncertain future of the airfield.

Wychavon District Council is pushing the four parishes to complete their Plans. If we can agree on what we want for the airfield then our wishes will become what is called "Supplementary Planning Guidance," which could have the same force in law as the District Local Plan. But for it to work everyone will need to come to a consensus and all four parishes will need a plan.

Rupert Segar