Neighbourhood planning gives communities direct power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood.
Neighbourhood planning was introduced by the Localism Act of 2011. This enables communities to:
- Set planning policies through a neighbourhood plan that is used in determining planning applications
- Grant planning permission through neighbourhood development orders and community right to build orders for specific development which complies with the order
A 'qualifying body' must prepare the neighbourhood plans. In non-parished areas, the local planning authority must form and approve the neighbourhood forum.
Local planning authorities have a legal duty to support the development of neighbourhood plans and orders. However, the responsibility for producing the neighbourhood plan lies with the neighbourhood forum.
It is recommended that communities discuss the different choices they have to achieve their ambitions for their neighbourhood with the borough council.
Contact us