Neighbourhood Plan Production
Neighbourhood planning is a transformative process allowing communities to shape the development and growth of their local areas. This grassroots planning process embodies the principle of giving power back to the people, enabling them to create a shared vision that truly reflects their needs and aspirations. Parish councils, town councils and neighbourhood forums can produce a neighbourhood plan.
Embarking on this journey involves navigating through seven key stages, each critical for the successful adoption and implementation of a neighbourhood plan.
1. Designating a Neighbourhood Area:
The initial step is to have the plan area officially designated as a neighbourhood planning area by the local authority. This stage sets the geographical scope within which the neighbourhood plan will be developed.
2. Preparing a Draft Neighbourhood Plan:
This second stage involves gathering and analysing local data, engaging with the community to understand their aspirations and concerns, and starting to draft the plan. It is crucial to develop a vision and objectives that reflect the community's desires for the future of their neighbourhood.
3. Public Consultation:
Once a draft plan has been prepared, it is shared with the public for feedback. This required six-week period allows residents, the local authority and stakeholders to contribute their views, ensuring the plan reflects the community's needs and aspirations.
4. Updating the Plan and preparing submission documents:
After the Regulation 14 consultation, this stages involves a review of the responses received to the consultation. The Plan is then amended accordingly for submission. A Basic Conditions Statement and Consultation Statement are also required alongside the Neighbourhood Plan for submission.
5. Submitting the Plan:
The plan, along with supporting documents such as a Basic Conditions Statement, Consultation Statement, and an environmental assessment, is submitted to the local authority. The local authority then publicises the Plan for comment as to whether the Plan and accompanying information meet the basic conditions.
6. Independent Examination:
The local authority appoints an examiner to assess whether the plan meets the basic conditions and legal requirements. This stage is crucial for ensuring the plan's robustness and its conformity with strategic local planning policies.
7. Referendum and Making the Plan:
The final stage is a public referendum, where residents vote on whether to adopt the plan. If the plan receives support from 50% or more residents, it becomes 'made' and part of the local development plan, guiding future development decisions in the neighbourhood area.
These stages collectively empower communities to have a say in the future development of their area, making neighbourhood planning a powerful tool for localism. By following these steps, towns and neighbourhoods can ensure that their plans are both reflective of their aspirations and robust enough to stand up to scrutiny, leading to more sustainable and community-focused development.
How we can help
DAC Planning provides specialist neighbourhood planning support.
For a discussion on how we can assist you, please get in touch with the team:
admin@dacplanning.com / 01206 259281
This information is for general informative purposes only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, DAC Planning accepts no liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from its use.