Good news! Our NDP has now entered the Regulation 16 stage.

Good news! Our NDP has now entered the Regulation 16 stage. Below is the communication of this from West Berkshire Council, which includes the aims of Regulation 16 and how to contribute to the formal consultation, should you wish to.

Cold Ash Parish Council has been working on its neighbourhood plan which has recently been submitted to West Berkshire District Council. After submission, responsibility for taking the plans forward lies with the local planning authority. 

Neighbourhood plans are formal planning documents prepared by Town and Parish Councils in consultation with their local community. They allow local people to shape the future of the areas in which they live, and they include policies for development and the use of land. 

The neighbourhood plan for Cold Ash, also known as the Cold Ash Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP), will guide development in the parish of Cold Ash to 2039.

We are carrying out a consultation on the Cold Ash NDP from Friday 21 July until 4:30pm on Friday 1 September 2023. The consultation is also known as ‘Regulation 16 Consultation’. We would like to invite your comments on the submitted plans and their supporting documents.

How to comment on the Cold Ash NDP:

The submission Cold Ash NDP and its supporting documents can be viewed:

  • Online: https://www.westberks.gov.uk/coldashnp;
  • At West Berkshire District Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury, RG14 5LD. The offices are open Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5pm, and on Fridays 8:30am to 4:30pm.

Representations can be made in writing or by way of electronic communications:

  • Online: using the Council’s Local Plan Consultation Portal which can be accessed at: https://consult.westberks.gov.uk/kse/. You will need to register, but then any comments you make will be stored in your account for future reference. Registration is possible using a Facebook or Twitter account.
  • By Representation Form which is available to download at: https://www.westberks.gov.uk/coldashnp. Completed forms can be returned by email to planningpolicy@westberks.gov.uk or by post to: Planning Policy Team, Development and Regulation, West Berkshire District Council, Market Street, Newbury, RG14 5LD.

All representations must be received by 4:30pm on Friday 1 September 2023.

What happens next?

Once the consultations finish, the Cold Ash NDP will undergo independent examination. The representations received on the Cold Ash NDP will be forwarded to the appointed examiner. 

The opportunity for further comments at this stage would only be at the specific request of the examiners. Most neighbourhood plans are examined without the need for a public hearing. If you think the neighbourhood plan requires a public hearing, you can state this in your comments, but the examiners will make the final decision.

Following the examinations, the examiner will issue a report, which could include some recommended changes to the draft plans to meet a set of tests known as ‘Basic Conditions’. If this part of the process is successful, the next stage would be to proceed to a Referendum.

If the Cold Ash NDP is successful at Referendum, then the plan will form part of the statutory development plan and will form the basis for determining planning applications in Cold Ash Parish and Hermitage Parish.

Kind regards,

Planning Policy Team

Development and Regulation – West Berkshire Council

Job Vacancy- An Exciting Opportunity at Cold Ash Parish Council!


Are you ready to take on a key role in our vibrant community? Cold Ash Parish Council is seeking a
dynamic individual to join us as our new Parish Clerk. If you enjoy autonomy, connecting with
people, and making a positive impact, this is the perfect opportunity for you!
As our Parish Clerk, you will play a vital role in supporting our Council and managing its activities.
You’ll have the chance to meet and interact with members of the public, fostering strong community
relationships. We value flexibility and work-life balance, so while the role is primarily office-based,
there is room for remote work, allowing you to tailor your schedule to meet your needs and the
needs of our parishioners. Plus, you’ll only need to attend two evening meetings per month!
We understand that everyone has unique skills and requirements, so we offer flexibility in the
working hours, currently set at 20 hours per week. Whether you’re an experienced professional or
just starting your career, we value your ability to take initiative and your interpersonal skills over
specific role-related knowledge. Basic IT skills are essential, but don’t worry, we’ll provide additional
training to support your growth. We also offer excellent support through the National and local
Association of Local Councils, as well as from our current Parish Councillors, who will guide you
through the ropes.
Now, let’s talk about the benefits. The role comes with an attractive salary and benefits package
that rewards your dedication and commitment.
If this exciting opportunity has caught your attention, we invite you to reach out to our current
Parish Clerk, Linda Randall, for further information. Don’t miss out on the chance to make a
difference in our wonderful community!
Contact Linda Randall, Parish Clerk:
Tel no: 01635 860004
Email: coldashpc@gmail.com
We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to our Cold Ash Parish Council team!

Job Vacancy

Parish Clerk, Cold Ash Parish Council
Cold Ash Parish Council is looking for someone to fill the soon to be vacant role of Parish
Clerk.
The role involves supporting the Parish Council in managing its activities and would suit
someone who enjoys a level of autonomy and meeting and dealing with members of the
public.
The role is currently predominantly office-based but there would be scope for flexibility. This
could involve a minimum number of sessions in the office, to be available to our
parishioners, the timing of which could be agreed to meet the needs of the successful
candidate, plus some homeworking. There is however a requirement to attend two evening
meetings per month.
The role is currently set at 20 hours per week, but this is something that can be flexible,
depending on the skills and needs of the successful candidate.
The ability to work on your own initiative is essential, so being a self-starter with good
interpersonal skills is more important than having role related knowledge. Basic IT skills are
key to the role. Other training will be provided based on the individual needs of the
successful applicant. There is good support for the role via the National and local Association
of Local Councils. The current Parish Councillors will also provide support whilst the
individual is learning the ropes.
The role provides an attractive salary and benefits.
If you are interested in the role and require further information please contact the current
Parish Clerk, Linda Randall, at:
Tel no: 01635 860004
Email: coldashpc@gmail.com
Post: The Clerk at The Parish Office, Hermitage Road, Cold Ash RG18 9JH.