Neighbourhood planning was introduced in 2011, and as of the end of 2021, there were around 2,800 neighbourhood plans in existence.
Once ‘made’ (i.e. adopted), neighbourhood plans have full weight, and are effectively considered part of the local plan and are therefore a material consideration in planning decisions.
Below is a quick guide to the process for making a neighbourhood plan.
1. Designation/definition of the neighbourhood plan area (Reg 14)
The neighbourhood plan group identifies the geographic area that their NP will cover and submit this to the local authority for designation. In most cases, the local authority will consult the public before designating a plan area. The local authority has 13 weeks to make a decision.
2. Preparation of the plan
This stage includes preparing policies that shape the growth and priorities of the area for 15-20 years. It can include a call for sites if the area is identified for growth in the local plan – in fact, it must identify opportunities for housing growth in this case and cannot be used to stop development where it has been identified as needed.
3. Publicity and consultation (Reg 14)
The Plan must be publicised for 6 weeks, with comments invited from local stakeholders and residents, as well as statutory consultees and bodies. The plan must be adjusted to accommodate comments.
4. Submission of the neighbourhood plan to the local authority (Reg 16)
The Plan is then submitted to the local authority, who ensures that it complies with relevant processes and legislation. If it passes this stage, the Plan is then published for a further 6 weeks for comment.
5. Submission of the neighbourhood plan to an independent Examiner
The Plan and any responses received during step 4 are sent to a selected Examiner. The Examiner provides a report to the local authority and neighbourhood planning group giving his or her recommendation as to whether the plan is suitable. The local authority ultimately decides whether the plan is suitable for referendum.
6. Referendum
This is the final vote to adopt/make the plan. Everyone living in the designated area who is registered to vote can vote in the referendum. If more than 50% are in favour of the plan, it is formally considered for adoption by the local authority.
7. Neighbourhood plan is ‘made’
It is now a material consideration in planning decisions.
The Planning team at Durrants is currently undertaking a review of all emerging neighbourhood plans in our area. Look out for an update on this soon – there may be an opportunity to promote your site through your neighbourhood plan.
