Collapse of Central Windsor Neighbourhood Plan forum hailed as 'victory for democracy' amid accusations of members playing politics
AN INTERNAL rupture has led to the collapse of a group shaping the planning future of a town - with the move hailed as a 'victory for democracy'.
AN INTERNAL rupture has led to the collapse of a group shaping the planning future of a town - with the move hailed as a 'victory for democracy'.
The Central Windsor Neighbourhood Plan (CWNP) forum voted to dissolve itself at a meeting at the Guildhall, on Monday (7/4).
The reason for the ballot was to allow the Clewer North and South wards back into the group fold, but members were told they could only vote to dissolve the whole forum or carry on without the Dedworth wards.
Ten voters wanted to carry on without Dedworth as the motion was passed 18 votes to 10.
At the meeting Castle Without ward Conservative cllr George Bathurst, said: "If you wreck this process and smash the vase, the pieces you want to pick up are maybe not the same as the ones you dropped. It might not turn out as you want it to."
Resident Jane Carter said: "I consider West Windsor to be part of my neighbourhood and I think it would be bad planning to cut off one limb of the town."
The forum has been beset by controversy since it was formed last summer after Central Windsor decided to it go alone with setting up a plan, leaving behind West Windsor, Eton and Eton Wick in a move which critics felt was done behind closed doors.
Speaking after the meeting, independent cllr Cynthia Endacott said; "Of course there has been political aspects to it, but the way forward it is a non-political path. It is a victory for democracy and common sense."
The intention now is to set up a new forum with a meeting pencilled in for May 8 at the Guildhall to build towards a Windsor Neighbourhood Plan.
Clare Milne, chairwoman of the now disbanded forum's business and tourism topic group, said: "The clear intention is that all of the work which has been done up to date will be carried on and in particular the responses to our recent consultation will be taken forward and extended to include the wider area."
The disbanded forum's contact information will stay live for the time being so people can email cwnp@outlook.com or call 07501 932754.
However, forum chairwoman Conservative cllr Natasha Airey has said she would not be looking to chair the new forum. At the meeting, she said: "I don't feel it is right for me to be chairman for a group that is brand new. That is not to say I don't support it."
Wisdom Da Costa, chairman of the West Windsor Residents Association, said, "We are delighted that there is now the opportunity to produce a Neighbourhood Pan for the whole of the town, and we look forward to working with residents, business representatives, and others to build on the valuable work that has already been carried out members of the CWNP Forum, and deliver a plan that serves everyone in Windsor."
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Read the original story on the Royal Borough Observer website