RESIDENTS in Coombe Bissett and Homington have voted in favour of adopting a neighbourhood plan to help guide future development in the parish.

The result of the referendum, held yesterday, showed 184 votes – 77.5% – in favour of the plan, with 58 votes – 22.5% – against.

A total of 242 people voted, representing a turnout of 44.2% of eligible voters.

Coombe Bissett and Homington Parish Council had recommended that residents vote “yes”, saying the plan would give the community a stronger voice in shaping its future and provide the best possible protection against inappropriate speculative development.

Work on the neighbourhood plan has been under way for several years and has involved extensive consultation and research.

According to the parish council, the plan aims to conserve and enhance the area’s rich heritage while ensuring any future development reflects the area’s distinctive character.

The document covers a wide range of issues, including housing and development, the environment, design and heritage, maintaining the gap between the two villages, green spaces, flood prevention, road safety, footpaths and protected views and vistas.

Flooding is addressed through policies which seek to ensure development takes account of flood risk from all sources and mitigates adverse impacts on water quality in the River Ebble.

The plan recently underwent independent examination, which found it met all legal requirements and recommended it proceed to referendum, subject to minor modifications to improve clarity.

With the plan approved, it will now be used by Wiltshire Council to help determine planning applications in the neighbourhood area and will guide development in the parish until 2038.