The Bourne Parish Neighbourhood Plan

What is the Draft Plan and why is it important?

Publication of the Draft Plan represents a significant step forward in shaping the future development and growth of our Parish which includes Bourne, Cawthorpe, Dyke, Twenty and the surrounding countryside, and is shown on the map shown below.

The Draft Plan

The Draft Plan has been prepared by a steering group of residents and town councillors and has been shaped by consultation with the local community – the people who know and love our Parish. It sets out a vision for sustainable development and includes policies for the development and use of land over the next 10 years. The policies will be used to determine planning applications alongside other policies in the South Kesteven Local Plan.

In preparing the Neighbourhood Plan we do not start with a blank canvas as we cannot stray too far from Government policy or the strategic policies of the South Kesteven Local Plan This means, for example, that the Neighbourhood Plan cannot promote less development than the South Kesteven Local Plan. It can, however, include additional policies of a more local nature.

The Draft Plan includes policies on the following topics:

• Green spaces, corridors landscaping and important views.
• Local distinctiveness, vernacular and area character.
• The historic environment including local heritage assets, the Conservation Area and shopfronts.
• Bourne town centre including uses, the public realm and parking.
• The visitor economy.
• Community facilities and schools.
• Transport including prioritising sustainable transport and cycle/car parking provision.
• The town settlement boundary.
• Housing.
• Employment.

Want to find out more?

We are holding several ‘drop-in’ sessions where you can find out more about the Draft Plan.

• Bourne Corn Exchange: Wednesday 12th November 10am to 1pm
• Elsea Park Community Centre: Saturday 15th November 10am to 2pm
• Dyke Village Hall: Saturday 22nd November 10am to 2pm
• Bourne Christmas Market: Saturday 29th November all day
• Bourne Market: Thursday 20th and 27th November;  11th and 18th December and 8th January 2026

What happens next?

Your comments will be fully considered by the Steering Group and changes made, where appropriate. Following endorsement by Bourne Town Council the amended Plan (referred to as the Submission Plan), will be submitted to South Kesteven District Council which will undertake publicity, invite representations and appoint an independent examiner. The examiner will issue a report which will recommend whether the Plan should proceed to a referendum or not and advise of any modifications that should be made beforehand. South Kesteven District Council will consider the report; make any necessary changes; and decide whether to proceed to a referendum in which people on the electoral register for Bourne Parish will be asked to decide if the Plan should be used in the determination of planning applications. If more than 50% of people vote ‘yes’, the Plan will be brought into force.