Dunholme residents have their say on village’s future

Residents’ views will have a major influence on Dunholme’s future development after a community referendum this summer.

West Lindsey District Council adopted the Dunholme Neighbourhood Plan Review at a full council meeting on Monday after 88% of residents voted in favour of the changes to the village’s original 2017 plan.

It will now form part of the statutory development plan for the district having a major influence on future planning application decisions in the Dunholme parish.

This adoption marks the third reviewed Neighbourhood Plan to be formally made in West Lindsey, following those for Scothern and Nettleham.

The reviewed plan was prepared by a steering group of parish councillors and residents, on behalf of Dunholme Parish Council. Extensive publicity and two rounds of consultation ensured residents could shape the emerging plan, which introduces important updates and improvements, including:

• Stronger design codes to reflect the character of the village.
• New housing site allocations.
• Additional Local Green Spaces.
• Protection of key community amenities.
• Enhanced guidance to safeguard the green gap between Dunholme and Welton.

The plan contained material modifications to the original version which meant it had to have both independent examination and a referendum. The examiner praised the review, stating that it ‘seeks to bring forward positive and sustainable development in the neighbourhood area with a strong focus on safeguarding its built and natural environment.’ The referendum confirmed strong local backing, with 88% of residents voting in favour of adoption.

Cllr Tony Pache, Chair of Dunholme Parish Council, presented the plan at West Lindsey District Council’s full council meeting on Monday. 

“We are delighted that the plan has gone through, and we look forward to seeing how this supports the village over the next few years. On behalf of the parish council, I would like to say thank you to everyone involved in supporting the review for it to be adopted.”

With adoption, the Dunholme review becomes the latest in a growing number of neighbourhood plans across West Lindsey.

Nev Brown Neighbourhood Planning Officer said: “I am delighted that the Dunholme Neighbourhood Plan Review has been adopted to guide planning decisions in the parish. This represents a significant success for the local community who put a lot of hard work into creating the plan. Residents now have an up-to-date plan which will direct the future growth of Dunholme while protecting its heritage and distinctive character.”

In total, 27 communities in the district now have adopted neighbourhood plans, including: Brattleby, Cherry Willingham, Riseholme, Saxilby with Ingleby, Welton by Lincoln, Spridlington, Sudbrooke, Bishop Norton and Atterby, Sturton by Stow and Stow (Review), Hemswell and Harpswell, Hemswell Cliff, Scothern (Review), Nettleham (Review), and Reepham.

Above: Cllrs Tony Pache, Sarah Keetley and Carrie Forrester at Monday’s meeting with the chair of West Lindsey District Council Cllr Matt Boles (right).