Faringdon has been granted ‘front-runner’ status to produce a Neighbourhood Plan under new powers to be introduced through the Localism Act.

The Vale of White Horse District Council worked in partnership with Faringdon Town Council to bid for the grant of £20,000 that accompanies the award of front-runner status.

Neighbourhood planning is the government’s initiative to empower local communities to help make and take forward planning proposals at a local level.  The idea being that local people will be the driver to help shape how their local communities grow and develop.

The Faringdon Neighbourhood Plan will be driven by the Town Council, but the Vale will provide support in helping to ensure that the process conforms with the guidelines for neighbourhood planning.

Cllr Roger Cox, cabinet member for planning at the Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Faringdon to help develop a vision for the future of their town.  Being awarded front-runner status means that Faringdon is one of the early communities to benefit from the Localism Bill and it provides an exciting path forward for its residents, for the town council and for the Vale.”

Cllr Alan Hickmore, Chairman of Town Council’s Planning and Highways Committee, said  “Faringdon Town Council is delighted to be one of the “front runners” to produce a neighbourhood plan for our community. We look forward to working with the Vale of White Horse District Council and, most importantly, our townspeople in producing a plan that will benefit us all”.