Local News

Community Governance Review second round consultation gets green light

Beech Hurst - Test Valley Borough Council
Test Valley Borough Council (image courtesy of Google)

Test Valley Borough Council is set to undertake a second round of consultation as part of its Community Governance Review.

The authority is currently considering whether existing parish arrangements in any part of the borough should be changed in any way.

The first round of consultation took place between November 2017 and January 2018, and the feedback from this led to the preparation of a set of “Draft Recommendations”.

At a meeting of the full council on 26 April 2018, councillors approved these Draft Recommendations and gave the go-ahead to undertake a second round of consultation. This consultation will seek the public’s views on the Draft Recommendations, and also invite the public to submit any further proposals that have not been included, but which they feel should be considered.

Corporate portfolio holder, Councillor Maureen Flood, said “The guiding principles of the review are that parish arrangements across the borough should reflect the identities and interests of the community in that area, and should be effective and convenient.

“The council is keen to hear from those wishing to support the Draft Recommendations, as well as comments seeking changes to those recommendations. We would like to thank everyone who responded during the first round of consultation and we look forward to receiving further feedback during the second stage.”

A document setting out each of the Draft Recommendations and maps detailing the proposed changes are available on the council’s website at www.testvalley.gov.uk/cgr.

A cross-party reference group of Test Valley borough councillors will consider all representations received and make final recommendations to the meeting of the full council in September 2018.

The authority intends to publish its final recommendations in September 2018 and any new arrangements will come into force at the local elections scheduled for May 2019.

The second consultation stage will run from 4 May to 6 July 2018. Responses to the consultation can be made by emailing cgr@testvalley.gov.uk, or by writing to:

Community Governance Review (Chief Executive’s Service)
Test Valley Borough Council
Beech Hurst
Weyhill Road
Andover
SP10 3AJ