Pendle News Room

The Neighbourhood Plan helps the local community to influence planning decisions that affect this ancient market town and the countryside around it.

The Plan has been prepared by Colne Town Council and approved, with modifications, by an independent examiner.

If given the thumbs up by voters, it will be the fourth Neighbourhood Plan to be adopted in Pendle.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Colne to take more control of local development because the Plan would influence future planning decisions.

“It focuses on protecting green spaces for the local community and promotes high quality design.

“It also protects the best of Colne’s natural and built environment, helping the vibrant community to continue to grow and flourish.

“If you live in Colne and want to have your say on whether the Plan should be adopted, please be ready to vote on Thursday 20 July.”

Councillor Tom Whipp, Executive Portfolio Holder for Planning, added: “We support communities deciding their own future and the Colne Neighbourhood Plan is a great example.

“If adopted, planning officers will refer to the Neighbourhood Plan when considering any applications for planning permission in Colne.”

On Thursday 20 July Colne residents will be asked a single question:

Do you want Pendle Borough Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Colne to help it decide planning applications in the Neighbourhood Area?

A simple majority of the votes cast will see the Plan either adopted or rejected.

The Plan and supporting documents are available on Pendle Borough Council’s website – www.pendle.gov.uk/ColneNP

They are also available to view at:

• Colne Town Hall, Albert Road, Colne, BB8 0AQ
• Colne Library, Market Street, Colne, BB8 0AP
• Number One Market Street, Nelson, BB9 7LJ

Voting in the Referendum will be similar to voting in Pendle Borough Council elections.

To be eligible to vote you must live in Colne and be registered to vote by Tuesday 4 July. You don’t need to register to vote again if you’re already on the electoral register. You can register online at www.gov.uk/registertovote 

To vote in person you need to show an accepted form of photo ID such as a passport or driving licence - it doesn’t matter if it’s expired as long as it looks like you.

If you don’t have any photo ID, the deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate is 5pm on Wednesday 12 July.

Find out what ID is accepted and apply for a Voter Authority Certificate by visiting www.pendle.gov.uk/voterID

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Wednesday 5 July and the deadline to vote for a proxy vote is 5pm on Wednesday 12 July. Visit www.pendle.gov.uk/absentvoters to apply.

Please check your poll card for where your polling station is. The Lesser Muni is currently being refurbished so anyone who usually votes there will be voting at Colne Town Hall.

For help or more information about voting in the Referendum, call the Elections Team on (01282) 661662 or email elections@pendle.gov.uk