Tollerton’s Neighbourhood Plan, aimed at shaping the future of the parish, is progressing to a referendum following a series of reviews and modifications.
The plan, initially developed by Tollerton Parish Council, received an independent examination, with Rushcliffe Borough Council recently confirming most of the changes recommended by the examiner.
The plan, first conceptualised in 2016 and re-registered in 2022, is designed to give the residents of Tollerton greater control over development in their community.
After the consultation period in 2023, during which public and stakeholder feedback was collected, an independent examiner, David Kaiserman, was appointed to review whether the plan met legal conditions.
Key Modifications and Council Decisions
Out of the 23 modifications suggested by the examiner, Rushcliffe Borough Council has decided to accept the majority, but not all.
Three specific modifications were rejected by the council.
These rejected modifications include proposals regarding the Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE), Green Belt policies, and a merging of local character and heritage asset policies. The council justified these decisions by stating that the modifications were not necessary to meet legal requirements, which will now undergo a six-week public consultation process.
Among the accepted changes are recommendations to improve clarity and consistency throughout the plan.
For example, all references to “Gamston Fields” will be replaced with “Sustainable Urban Extension” to avoid confusion, and discrepancies between maps and Local Plan references have been rectified. The updated policy now also includes a clearer framework for climate change adaptation and the promotion of sustainable transport modes, including walking, cycling, and horse-riding.
Focus on Village Development and Preservation
One of the main objectives of the plan is to preserve Tollerton’s village character while accommodating sustainable growth. The village centre, which has been identified as the area around the Burnside Grove and Stansted Avenue junction, will continue to be a focal point for development. Policies encourage the expansion of local businesses and community facilities, particularly those that enhance Tollerton’s identity as a self-sustaining parish.
Modifications to the plan have streamlined policies related to the village’s economy. Policies 3 and 4, which addressed business support, have been combined into a single policy, now called “Supporting the Local Economy.” This policy promotes business growth while ensuring that developments do not negatively impact the visual or residential amenity of the village.
Environmental Sustainability and Community Concerns
A strong emphasis on sustainability runs throughout the plan, reflecting local concerns about environmental conservation. The village’s green spaces, biodiversity, and landscape character are protected under the new policies. Notably, the plan resists the coalescence of Tollerton with the surrounding urban developments, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a “Green Buffer” to separate Tollerton from the Sustainable Urban Extension.
Additionally, the plan outlines the community’s aspirations to reduce the carbon footprint of new developments, integrating more energy-efficient designs, and encouraging developers to contribute to climate resilience.
Next Steps and Referendum
The decision on the plan now proceeds to a referendum, where the community will vote on its adoption. If approved, it will become a key planning document that will influence decisions on future developments in the parish. The council has already made it clear that any new proposals, particularly large-scale developments, must comply with both national guidelines and the newly modified local policies.
The timeline for this process remains on track, with the final modifications and public consultation expected to conclude by the end of 2024.
