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Neighbourhood planning

As enabled by the Localism Act 2011, neighbourhood planning empowers local communities, including parish and town councils, to shape their areas' development by creating Neighbourhood Development Plans (NDPs) and Neighbourhood Development Orders (NDOs). Here's how it generally works:

  • Community initiation — The process often led by parish and town councils typically begins with the local community expressing an interest in developing a neighbourhood plan for their area. This could be in response to anticipated development pressures, concerns about local amenities, or a desire to preserve the neighbourhood's character.
  • Designation of neighbourhood area — The first formal step in the process is for the local planning authority to designate the boundary of the neighbourhood area within which the plan will apply. The community typically defines this boundary with the parish or town council's input.
  • Community engagement and consultation — Developing a neighbourhood plan involves extensive consultation and engagement with local residents, businesses, and stakeholders. Parish and town councils play a key role in facilitating this process, ensuring that the views and priorities of the community are captured and integrated into the plan.
  • Drafting the plan — The neighbourhood plan is drafted based on community input and evidence gathering. This document sets out policies and proposals for developing and using land within the neighbourhood area. It may cover various issues, including housing, transport, amenities, and conservation.
  • Examination and referendum — Once the draft plan is complete, an independent examiner submits it to the local planning authority for examination. If the plan meets legal requirements and passes the examination, it proceeds to a local referendum. Parish and town councils may assist in promoting awareness of the referendum and encouraging voter turnout.
  • Adoption and legal force — If the plan is approved by a majority of voters in the referendum, it is formally adopted by the local planning authority. The neighbourhood plan then becomes part of the statutory development plan for the area and carries legal weight in the planning process. Parish and town councils may play a role in implementing the plan's policies and monitoring its impact.
  • Monitoring and review: Neighbourhood plans typically last around five years, after which they may need to be reviewed and updated to ensure they remain relevant and effective. Parish and town councils can lead or contribute to this review process, ensuring that the plan continues to reflect the needs and aspirations of the local community.

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