New neighbourhood plan will aim to revitalise Melton town centre and shape its future growth

The preparation of the plan will be led by a committee or forum, with town centre businessmen and women and town centre residents being among its members.

More than 30 town centre businesses have already given their backing to the plan which, if approved following a referendum, will become part of the new Melton Local Plan.

Other organisations supporting the town centre neighbourhood plan include Melton Mowbray Town Estate, the Melton Business Improvement District (BID) and Brooksby Melton College.

Letters are to be sent to town centre businesses and residents informing them about the new neighbourhood plan and a public meeting is to be held at Melton Council’s Parkside offices on April 13 from 5.30pm/6pm enabling people to find out more and how they can get involved.

Pam Posnett is the council’s representative on the Meltlon BID which is supporting the town centre neighbourhood plan.

She said: “I think the neighbourhood plan has the potential to revitalise Melton town centre.

“First of all we need the businesses and residents to define what the town centre is and the area it includes.

“We’ll be asking them how they’d like their town centre to look and what they’d like to see within it.

“The plan will give people a focus and it’s about trying to get more economic development into the town.

“It will also consider wider issues affecting the town centre such as car parking and traffic flow.”

She added: “The town centre neighbourhood plan will not be owned by the council, it will be owned by the businesses and residents who live in the town centre.

“As councillors we can’t do the plan for them but we will be there to give support to the forum as the plan progresses.”

Councillor Tom Greenow is chairman of the council’s town area committee which is also supporting the plan.

He said: “The town centre neighbourhood plan will have the same clout as the new Local Plan because, once approved, it will become a part of it and a part of planning policy.

“I’m hoping it will bring businesses, residents and stakeholders together to try and improve the social, economic and environmental aspects of the town centre and help to shape its future growth.”

Any town centre residents and businesse who would lke to get involved in the town centre neighbourhood plan or would like to know more can email [email protected] or [email protected]