Polling cards have begun arriving on the doormats of Oakham and Barleythorpe residents over the past days as Rutland County Council ready themselves for the Oakham and Barleythorpe Neighbourhood Plan referendum, which is set to take place between 7am and 10pm on Thursday the 26th of May 2022.

The question being asked in the referendum will be:

'Do you want Rutland County Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for the Parishes of Oakham and Barleythorpe to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?'

But what does that mean?

A Neighbourhood Plan settles a vision for the future of a neighbourhood, parish, or town and sets out how this vision will be realised through planning and development. The document must reflect the views of the residents of the Plan Area.

The Oakham and Barleythorpe Neighbourhood Plan sets out a vision for the local area for the next thirty years.

The approach to Oakham Castle in the heart of the town

Significant residential development has taken place in the last twenty years in Oakham, and Oakham Town Council decided that a process should be introduced to make sure that the views and opinions of the local residents and those who work in Oakham are taken into account when making decisions that affect the community as a whole.

Through data collection and community engagement, Rutland County Council established the key issues arising through this residential development. They are as follows:

• the identification and provision of suitable accommodation for young families and older people
• a lack of healthcare facilities able to meet the current and future needs of a growing population in certain neighbourhoods
• a lack of education facilities able to meet the current and future needs of the population, in terms of capacity and proximity
• a shortage of adequate leisure and cultural facilities able to meet the needs of residents and visitors (e.g. a cinema, bowling, public swimming pool)
• limited opening hours of the library, museum and castle, limiting tourism and development of the local economy
• occurrence of development not in keeping with the character of the Town and of poor design
• traffic congestion and inadequate parking facilities
• risk to green areas and public spaces
• inadequate means of sustainable transport.

Dean's Street, where some of Oakham's older houses are situated

In a bid to tackle these issues, Rutland County Council stated that their vision, through the adoption of this neighbourhood plan means that: "Oakham will become Rutland's thriving and vibrant county town. Its rural location, rich history and culture make it a destination for all.

"Our Neighbourhood Plan for the future of Oakham and Barleythorpe ensures that Rutland's county town, and its neighbouring community of Barleythorpe, are taken forward into the future as thriving, sustainable communities in an environment where people can live, work, play and flourish.

"Whilst recognising and retaining the essential rural and historic features which lie at the heart of these communities in England's smallest county, we see that it is vital also to create an environment which can adapt and embrace the changes necessary to meet the needs of future generations."

More detailed information can be found on the RCC website, where residents can find an 87 page referendum version of the Oakham and Barleythorpe plan.

This Neighbourhood Plan referendum comes in concurrence with an increase in dissatisfaction with the local area and local medical provisions. As such a healthy attendance at the polling booths is anticipated on Thursday the 26th of May.

Will we be seeing you there?

Join the conversation by submitting your 'Oakham opinion' to [email protected].