Tuesday’s Parish Council meeting as expected brought an end to proposals to develop a Neighbourhood Plan for Colnbrook and Poyle, rebuffing a new power granted to local communities.

Parish Councillors walk the red carpet

The proposal to discontinue the “Neighbourhood Plan” was passed following arguments both for and against, with just one councillor voting to continue the work.

The Parish Council will continue to communicate with residents via the “village chat” meetings, and deal with traffic matters directly with the Highways Department of SBC.

The decision will be disappointing to those who have called for Colnbrook to be more proactive in planning matters to provide a better defence to threats such as SIFE.

Aside from the rejection of the new powers under the Localism Act, the Parish Council also discussed:

Planning

1. Poyle Place is being used by Europcar as it’s national storage centre. SBC has issued a notice for them to quit the site by a specified date or face all vehicles being impounded on the site.

2. Last minute changes to the Future House planning application are due to be considered by SBC planning committee tonight (Wednesday 9th January).

3. A planning application relating to 9 Market Place has been received. The application is to extend an existing application granted in January 2010 to convert an un-let former stationery and printing shop into a hot food take away and will be objected to by the Parish Council, despite the in-progress work already carried out to date by the owner.

Langley Health Centre

It was reported by a resident that the Langley Health Centre is applying to open it’s own pharmacy close to the existing centre. The matter will be discussed by SBC planning committee on 18th January.

Turning Point

Turning point is a relatively new service to residents of Slough. It is a drug and substance abuse advisory service and they are in Colnbrook with their outreach service regularly on Thursdays. If adults or children have problems in this area they are welcome to approach the sign written van on a confidential basis. A Young Persons drug counseling service is available for both parents and youngsters.

Website Upgrade

Following discussions, it was agreed to defer a final decision in order to allow more time to consider available options.

Newsletter

The Parish Council newsletter, originally scheduled for summer 2012 will be completed by the end of January.