A Neighbourhood Plan is a community-led framework that is used to help determine future planning applications in a particular area. They are usually created by a parish council or a Neighbourhood Forum and deal with a wide range of issues such as housing, employment, heritage and transport.
Under the Localism Act, neighbourhood planning gives communities direct power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and shape the development and growth of their local area. Neighbourhood plans must be in general conformity with the strategic policies of the adopted development plan for the borough.
The easiest way to get involved in Neighbourhood Planning is through your local Parish Council or Town Council. It is up to the Parish and Town Councils whether they prepare a Neighbourhood Plan.
Once a Neighbourhood Plan has been made, it forms part of the statutory development plan for the borough and will be used to help determine planning applications and guide planning decisions in the Neighbourhood Plan Area.
Further information and advice about Neighbourhood Planning can be found at Planning Practice Guidance: Neighbourhood Planning or Neighbourhood Planning - Locality.
