Lockdown has not stopped progress for Bassetlaw neighbourhood planning groups

For some groups, work on neighbourhood plans has not stopped and many have found new ways of working and engage with residents.

Lockdown has meant groups like Ranskill, Sturton Ward and Lound have had to explore new ways of working, including virtual meetings, and planning socially-distanced public consultations.

Coun Jo White, cabinet member for regeneration at Bassetlaw District Council said: “These unprecedented times have also brought a fresh sense of perspective, particularly on the part of the groups who have continued to work through the lockdown to progress their neighbourhood plans and, as a council we have been only too happy to support this.”

Bryn Kinsey, chairman of the Ranskill plan steering group said: “The latest public consultation carried out in July was achieved by a mixture of virtual working and good old fashioned legwork.

“Supported by our website and an online survey tool, we delivered a leaflet with detailed plans for both sites to every house in Ranskill.”

James Naish, interim chairman of the Sturton Ward plan steering group, said: “The switch to online channels hasn’t been easy for some residents, so we are continuing to review options for adding face-to-face or alternative engagement channels at the end of our consultation period, subject to regulations.

"With talk of the national planning approach changing, we think it’s really important that neighbourhood plans continue at pace so that local voices are heard and understood.”

And Michael Naylor, chairman of the Lound plan steering group, added: “We are confident that using a mix of online consultation, appropriately socially-distanced face to face exhibitions, and one-to-one meetings where appropriate, we can reach all interested parties over the next seven weeks of our Regulation 14 consultation.”

Coun White concluded: “Although there are undoubtedly restrictions to work within, progress is still very much possible and we continue to be pro-active and enable local communities to have a greater say on planning and development in their area.”