Hundreds of residents have their say about future of governance for West of Waterlooville, Denmead, Southwick and Widley
Over 600 residents responded to a consultation which will shape the future of governance for West of Waterlooville, Denmead, Southwick and Widley.
Following a petition from residents and parish councillors, the City Council held a consultation on future Parish Council arrangements in the Denmead and Southwick & Widley areas of the District as the West of Waterlooville Major Development Area (MDA) takes shape.
Residents were asked to consider extending either the Denmead or Southwick & Widley Parish Councils to cover the whole development area within one of the existing bodies, or creating a new Council that focuses solely on the MDA.
More than 600 people responded with 74% supporting the new Parish Council option. In light of this, the City Council is considering a recommendation to prepare and publish draft proposals to establish a new parish council to include the whole of the new development from parts of the existing Denmead and Southwick & Widley Parish Council areas.
This would accord with the requirements of the relevant legislation to encourage a cohesive and sustainable community with a distinct and recognisable sense of identity.
A further phase of public consultation is now proposed in March, during which the Council will seek views on the new Parish Council’s style (it could be a Parish, Town, Neighbourhood or Community council), a name that reflects its geographic location and its precise boundary. Other matters such as the level of representation and other preparations arrangement could also be aired.
The consultation will be conducted in a similar manner to the recent process, engaging the same electoral areas and local bodies. It is hoped the arrangement can be confirmed so that the council may be elected and operating in 2019.
Portfolio Holder for Democratic Services at Winchester City Council, Cllr Stephen Godfrey said:
I am delighted so many residents took part in the consultation and had their say on what the future arrangements of governance for the MDA could be. The next stage of consultation will allow everyone to have a say on some crucial details and we hope that just as many if not more residents can help form a council that works for them.