GuideCommunity Governance Review: Cranbrook and Surrounding Development Areas

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2. Frequently Asked Questions Community Governance Review: Cranbrook and Surrounding Development Areas

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Community Governance Review?

A Community Governance Review is a way for district councils to make sure that, at the town or parish level, the local accountability and governance arrangements are working as efficiently and effectively as they should be.  In other words the aim of a Community Governance Review is to ensure that appropriate community engagement, local democracy, and effective and convenient delivery of local services, are in place. This is achieved by asking the public, parish and town councils and any interested parties whether they feel their communities are suitably represented and whether any changes should be made to the current governance arrangements including the associated administrative boundaries.

What roles do Town and Parish Councils perform?

Town and parish councils are the most local form of government. Through a Council Tax "precept" funding is raised for the town or parish council to invest in the local area, to manage and improve services or facilities, and represent residents at a local level. Parish and town councils are the voice of the local community and work with other tiers of government and external organisations to co-ordinate and deliver services and work to improve the quality of life in the area.

Why is a potential Community Governance Review being considered now?

The Community Governance Review has been requested by Cranbrook Town Council.  This is in recognition that the town of Cranbrook is continuing to expand.  The principles behind this growth were established through the Cranbrook Plan which was adopted in 2022 and forms part of the development plan for the area.  The planned Cranbrook expansion areas will bring over 4,000 additional homes together with a range of important supporting infrastructure including open space and sports facilities and it is important to consider how and where these assets will be managed, as well as ensuring that the governance arrangements in place are fit for purpose, reflect local identities and the interests of the community, and facilitate effective and convenient local government.

Is this a different CGR to that in 2021?

Yes this is a new Community Governance Review that will look afresh at the boundaries following the adoption of the Cranbrook Plan and the grant of planning permission for the first of the expansion areas.

How does the potential CGR relate to the expansion of Cranbrook?

The boundary of the Cranbrook Plan Area includes the four expansion areas known as Bluehayes, Treasbeare, Cobdens and Grange as well as the existing town.  Both the Cranbrook Plan area (red dashed lines) and the existing parish and town council boundaries (blue solid lines) are shown on the plan below:

Growth of the town will take place both within the boundary of Cranbrook and extend into the surrounding Parishes.

Why did the Parish Boundaries not inform the extent of the Cranbrook Plan?

While Parish boundaries can be important for a variety of historical and cultural reasons, they do not always reflect how places change or function over time. 

In drawing up a Plan for the additional housing and infrastructure at Cranbrook, it was the sustainability of the new development that was considered to be particularly important.  The Plan looked in detail at how people who live in the new homes could access the shops and services that would form part of their community - this is an essential component of planning and place making. 

Does a CGR mean more houses or development in my area?

No, the CGR does not affect the number of houses or the location of development.   Those matters are considered through the planning applications and the Development Plan for an area - in this case the Cranbrook Plan, where as the CGR only relates to the governance arrangements, including administrative boundaries, at the parish and town council level.

Can the CGR affect how local assets are managed?

Stewardship is the long-term management of important local facilities such as parks, open space and sports provision.  Currently open space and associated infrastructure that is within the existing boundary of Cranbrook is largely managed by the Town Council. 

The potential CGR may make recommendations about whether local assets and infrastructure in the expansion areas is managed in the same way (that is by Cranbrook Town Council or one of the other existing parish and town councils), or whether a different model is required.  Other models include Community Interest Companies or Management Companies.  Stewardship of infrastructure and assets by a town or parish council is the preferred route as it brings with it stronger local accountability.

Does the Community Government Review affect the amount of CIL that my Parish Council can collect from the new housing at Cranbrook?

No, the potential CGR will not affect the amount of CIL that a parish and town council can obtain directly from housing that is permitted within the Cranbrook Plan area.  This is irrespective of where the Parish boundaries lie.