In 2008 a simple idea was formed. Could Illogan Parish have some kind of plan that would give decision makers information about what the people of Illogan parish actually wanted? This basic concept was conceived by David Ekinsmyth and Amanda Leonard and promoted at Parish Council meetings, and with the help and support of Roger Benny, Graham Ford, Stefan Szoka and Terry Wilkins they took up the challenge. At a very early stage it was considered the Parish Plan had to accurately represent the views and desires of the people of Illogan Parish. Not simply those of the Parish Council.
At a public meeting it was agreed that a separate body should be set up to carry out the research and production of the Plan. The Parish Plan Steering Group was formed to undertake this task. The membership of which was drawn from residents of Illogan Parish, including a few Parish Councillors. Throughout the entire process, the Steering Group consulted residents to ensure it was their ownership. There were many public meetings and consultations. This culminated in the launch of the Parish Plan last Saturday, many councillors and residents of the Illogan Parish were present and George was delighted to join them.
Commenting, George Eustice said, "I have long argued that governments and local authorities should take far more notice of the views and opinions of local people. This Government has been commited to achieving this through the localism bill, and I am delighted that parishes like Illogan have been presenting Parish Plans that reflect local views, and which will take precedence over the opinion of Cornwall Council planners. I would encourage all parish councils to follow their lead."George is pictured with David Ekinsmyth, Chairman of the Illogan Parish Plan Steering Group and other members of the Group, who attended the launch of the Illogan Parish Plan on Saturday 23 July 2011, at the Illogan Village Hall.