Residents of St Leonards, St Ives, Ashley Heath, Avon Castle and Matchams are warmly invited to attend one of two public meetings to help shape the future of our parish through the development of a Neighbourhood Plan.
These meetings mark an important step in the process of creating a Neighbourhood Plan — a community-led planning document that will guide future development and land use in the Parish. Whether you’ve lived in the parish all your life or have recently joined the community, your views matter and can make a real difference.
The Neighbourhood Plan gives us the opportunity to set out a shared vision for how our area should grow and change over the coming years. It can influence where new homes are built, protect local green spaces, support new community facilities, and ensure that development respects the character of the area.
At the public meetings, we’ll explain more about what a Neighbourhood Plan is, how the process works, and how you can get involved. Members of the steering group will be on hand to answer questions, gather ideas, and listen to your concerns about planning, development, and the future of the parish.
These are not just meetings about policy — they’re a chance for you to have your voice heard and be part of something that could shape our community for years to come. Whether you’re concerned about preserving our green spaces, improving local infrastructure, ensuring affordable housing, or just want to understand what changes might be coming, this is your opportunity to get involved from the start.
Why attend?
- Find out what a Neighbourhood Plan can and cannot do
- Share your views on what matters most to you
- Help identify priorities for the future of the parish
- Discover ways to contribute to the plan-making process
- Meet your neighbours and be part of a community conversation
The success of the Neighbourhood Plan depends on local input. It needs to reflect the needs and aspirations of those who live and work here. The more voices we hear, the stronger and more representative the final plan will be.
So please come along — bring your questions, your ideas, and your passion for our community. Together, we can create a plan that protects what we value and plans positively for the future of the Parish of St Leonards and St Ives.
There will be two opportunities to get involved:
- Thursday 16 October 2025 at 7pm or Saturday 18th October 2025 at 2pm at The Village Hall, Braeside Road.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Follow us on our journey to create the Parish Neighbourhood Plan at www.stleonardsparishcouncil.gov.uk where you also find the opportunity to express your views through a questionnaire. Paper copies available at One Stop and in the Red Telephone Box in Braeside Road.
