Voters back neighbourhood plan

In the Roman Road Bow Neighbourhood Planning Referendum, voters have chosen to support the use of the local neighbourhood plan in determining future planning applications in the area.

Electors took to the polls on Thursday 13 October and were asked if they wanted to use the Roman Road Bow Neighbourhood Plan to help decide planning applications in the local area.

Following the close of poll at 10pm, the ballot boxes were taken to Tower Hamlets Town Hall at Mulberry Place for the count and declaration of the result.

A breakdown of the results showed there were 1743 YES votes to 736 NO votes, with nine spoiled ballots. The turnout was 12.28 per cent.

As the plan has been successful at the referendum, the council must adopt the neighbourhood plan and this is expected to take place at the next Full Council meeting. By adopting a neighbourhood plan, communities will have a greater say in where they want new homes, shops andoffices to be built and what local infrastructure should be provided.

The declaration was made at 11.45pm by Will Tuckley, Counting Officer and Chief Executive for Tower Hamlets Council.

Will Tuckley said:

“I would like to thank those who voted in the referendum and are playing an active role in local democracy.

As ever organising a referendum takes a great deal of time and hard work, so I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in delivering a professional, fair and transparent referendum.”