THE MILLAND Neighbourhood Plan has been formally adopted by the planning committee of the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA).
The planning committee formally adopted the plan after it had been accepted in the Milland Neighbourhood Plan referendum.
The turnout for the referendum was 33.79 per cent, with 198 people voting to accept the plan and 24 people voting against it.
The editor of the Milland Neighbourhood Plan, Val Porter, said: “It is a very great relief that the plan has been adopted.”
The idea of a Milland Neighbourhood Plan was launched by Milland Parish Council back in 2012, and a steering group for the plan was formed in 2013.
And while the plan has now been formally adopted, Val said it took a lot of work in the intervening years to reach this point.
Val said: “A huge amount of work went into the plan, which I don’t think people realised, as the plan went into a huge amount of detail.
“I would like to thank everyone who has taken an interest in the plan and contributed to it.”
One of the aims of the plan is to prioritise the natural environment and general character of the parish.
“A lot of people said that was their main priority as they want the village to stay how it is,” said Val.
Infrastructure is another key issue, and a number of projects have been included in the plan.
Val added: “Infrastructure is a key issue, and we have a lot of narrow lanes.
“Affordable housing for local people has to be the priority where it is possible.
“The projects have been included in the plan as a separate full chapter.
“We can’t make the projects happen, but we have raised the issue for future generations to consider.”