What is a Neighbourhood Plan? 

A neighbourhood plan (NP) is a framework drawn up by a local community for how its area can develop and grow. NPs can vary widely in what they cover, but essentially they are about how land is used and related economic, social and environmental matters.  These can include issues such as housing, employment, heritage including open spaces, and transport.

The local plan has to go through several stages of discussion and consultation with those who will be affected by it, not only residents but also businesses, workers, students and those who just visit the area.  It then has to be subject to independent examination and a local referendum. If supported by a majority of voters, it becomes part of the Council’s Local Development Plan. 

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This legal basis gives a Neighbourhood Plans far more weight than some other local planning documents, and it forms part of the rules which guide the local authority when it has to decide on planning applications.

If you would like to find out more, see the Quick Guide to Neighbourhood Plans produced by Locality.  Full details of our Neighbourhood Plan are on the next page.