Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area has taken another step forward in preparing its Neighbourhood Plan.
The community area has set up a steering group to prepare the plan, as part of the new planning system approved by the government this month.
Under the new rules, communities can produce the plans to help manage development locally.
The government chose Wiltshire Council as a ‘front runner’ in the process, giving communities in parts of the county a head start on the rest of the country.
Chairman of the steering group, Coun Steve Bucknell of Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council, said: “We have held meetings and are moving to the next stage, which involves consulting with local people and stakeholders across the community area.”
The costs of undertaking the work are being met in part by a grant of £20,000 from the Department of Communities and Local Government.
Coun Bucknell said Royal Wootton Bassett and Crick-lade and the parishes of Purton, Lyneham & Braden-stoke, Lydiard Millicent, Lydiard Tregoze, Cliffe Pypard, Tockenham, Broad Town, Latton, Marston Meysey and Braydon are producing a joint plan.
It will then be assessed by an independent examiner before being put to a referendum. The process is likely to take another 12 to 18 months.
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