Please vote: Pimlico Neighbourhood Plan Referendum, September 22

Dear Eccleston Square Garden member,

As you might know, the Pimlico Neighbourhood Plan Referendum takes place on 22 September. The Plan will form an important part of the Westminster City Council planning framework for developments within the Pimlico area, including the immediate surroundings of Eccleston Square. Strong support for the Plan at the Referendum will increase the impact of the PNP on planning decisions, which will have direct implications for the level of protection we have for the setting of our garden.

The plan has been written by local residents helped by the residents associations to shape and guide development in Pimlico in the coming years. Its overriding aim is to preserve the village feel, preserving green and open spaces and our wonderful buildings as well ensuring that any development is protective of our largely residential area. A YES vote on 22 September will give Pimlico strong policies and a clear voice to respond to future planning applications. You can see the Plan at www.pimlicoforum.org/referendum . You should already have received your usual polling card.

More details on the Plan and the Referendum are set out below.

With thanks
Eccleston Square Garden Limited Directors

The Referendum is the final stage of over six years work. This work has been led by the volunteers in the Steering Group of the Pimlico Neighbourhood Forum with the help of a consultant and working closely with residents associations, local businesses and other volunteers. A summary of the plan and its development is available in this PDF. Or reference the https://pimlicoforum.org/ for full details.

REASONS TO VOTE 'YES' FOR THE PIMLICO NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

Pimlico is better off with the Plan.
It has 23 sets of policies, including ones to:
• preserve Pimlico’s character and village feeling.
• restrict new development above the characteristic height of buildings nearby.
• protect and improve our public realm, and our open and green spaces.
• ensure new housing meets the needs of families in Pimlico.
• support and enhance our retail areas

Also, areas with Neighbourhood Plans hold on to a bigger share (up from 15% to 25%) of their CIL money. CIL is a Council charge on new developments. It is used for infrastructure, eg. open spaces, schools, trees, local facilities, traffic and safety measures, etc.

WHO CAN VOTE AND WHERE?
To vote, a person must be:
1. Registered to vote in the Pimlico Neighbourhood Plan area (polling cards are being posted out on 24 August).
2. At least 18 years old on the day of the referendum.
A British citizen, a EU citizen or a Commonwealth citizen who has or does not require leave to remain in the UK (British citizens living overseas cannot vote in this referendum).

There are three polling stations depending on where you live: St Gabriels Church (Warwick Square), St Saviour's Church (St George's Square) and Lillington Gardens Estate. Postal and Proxy votes are also available.

You can find out more about voting in this referendum including how to register to vote if you're not already on the electoral register https://www.westminster.gov.uk/about-council/democracy/elections-referendums-and-how-vote/planning-referendums/pimlico-neighbourhood-plan-referendum.