A TOWN planner who helped put the decisions back into the hands of the people has been honoured with a BEM for his services to community planning in Upper Eden.

Now Head of Planning for Carlisle-based H&H Land and Property which works across Cumbria, Tom Woof was of the Upper Eden Community Plan and project leader of the Upper Eden Neighbourhood Plan.

“I’m delighted but also surprised - I had to sit and stare at it to see if it was a spoof or not,” he said.

Mr Woof was instrumental in setting up the Upper Eden Community Plan which has now drawn to a close, and preparing the first Neighbourhood Plan.

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The first of its kind it the country, the Upper Eden Neighbourhood Plan remains as a document with Eden District Council and gives the community more of a say over what happens in their area, such as setting out homes, shops and amenities.

Newcastle-born but Grasmere raised, the chartered town planner has 20 years of experience of planning work in both the public and private sector.

He added: “Naturally I am very pleased to be recognised in this way, however the award belongs as much to all those who worked with me on the Upper Eden Community Plan.

“As with all voluntary work, recognition should also go to the wives, partners and husbands of those involved, as it is those people who provide the space and time for volunteers to spare for their chosen area of work.”