Voters in Charvil will head to the polls in early May, putting their cross on a ballot paper to shape decisions in their communities.
Residents will decide whether to adopt or reject a neighbourhood plan that sets out how the village should grow over the next 15 years.
The referendum ion Thursday, May 7 will determine whether the plan becomes part of the legal framework for planning decisions.
Wokingham borough councillor Katrin Harding (Lib Dem) said neighbourhood plans are a rare opportunity for communities to shape planning policy locally and encouraged all Charvil residents to take the opportunity to vote.
She said: “It will help shape future development to deliver what Charvil needs and will support community infrastructure.”
Voters have to answer a single question: whether Wokingham borough council should use the Charvil Neighbourhood Plan when determining planning applications. A majority “Yes” vote will give the document statutory weight; a “No” vote will see it dropped.
The plan has been led by residents and Charvil Parish Council, with work beginning during the Covid-19 pandemic when councillors and volunteers first came together over Zoom.
Parish councillor Pat Sutlieff said: “A lot of people contributed to this and it’s taken us about three years.”
That collaborative effort has been central to the plan’s development. Resident Rob Jones, who led the project, said: “The Charvil Neighbourhood Plan has been five years in the making… what makes it so important is that it’s been written by residents, for residents—bringing a strong local voice right into the planning process.
“We’ve carried out extensive engagement and consultation, and local feedback has directly shaped a practical set of policies that focus on the issues people in Charvil care about most.”
Those priorities include protecting green spaces, improving road safety, supporting walking and cycling, and ensuring new development reflects the character of the village.
The plan also proposes earmarking seven Local Green Spaces, protecting them at Green Belt level.
It addresses everyday concerns raised during consultation, including traffic pressures, flood risk and the need for more local amenities, while promoting a mix of housing and higher design standards, including sustainability measures.
Mr Jones said: “I truly believe a ‘Yes’ vote is a win for Charvil on every level.”
If voters agree, the plan will become part of Wokingham’s strict rules about what can be built and where – meaning the council must take it into account when deciding applications in Charvil. It would also increase the share of developer contributions controlled locally.
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm, with voters required to bring valid photo ID.
