What is neighbourhood planning?
Neighbourhood planning is a way for communities to decide the future of the places where they live and work.
They will be able to:
- choose where they want new homes, shops and offices to be built
- have their say on what those new buildings should look like and what infrastructure should be provided
- grant planning permission for the new buildings they want to see go ahead
The government has introduced the community right to do neighbourhood planning through the Localism Act.
General regulations governing neighbourhood planning came into effect in April 2012.
Why does neighbourhood planning matter?
The planning system helps decide what gets built, where and when. It is essential for supporting economic growth, improving people’s quality of life, and protecting the natural environment.
In theory, planning was always supposed to give local communities a say in decisions that affect them. But in practice, communities have often found it hard to have a meaningful say. The Neighbourhood Plan puts power back in the hands of local residents, employees and business, councils and civic leaders – those who know best the needs of their local areas.
Neighbourhood planning is optional, not compulsory. No one has to do it, if they don’t want to. But now, there are over 1000 councils and Parishes around the country that are taking the opportunity, to influence the future of the place where they live or work.
Funding and support
There are several sources of advice and support for communities who are interested in doing neighbourhood planning:
The government has awarded a contract to Locality, in partnership with the Royal Town Planning Institute, Planning Aid England and partners, to deliver a £9.5 million, 2-year programme to support communities to progress their Neighbourhood Development Plans and Neighbourhood Development Orders. The programme will offer hands-on, practical support and grants of up to £7,000 per neighbourhood area. Communities can submit applications from 1 May 2013. Full programme details will be available from the My Community Rights website when the programme goes live. For more information, see the factsheet.
The local planning authority is under a duty to support and obliged by law to help people draw up their neighbourhood plans.
Developers, parish and town councils, landowners and local businesses may all be interested in sponsoring and taking a leading role in neighbourhood planning. In fact, in many areas, local businesses are working alongside local residents, local government and others with an interest in the neighbourhood’s future development and growth.
