How to set up a Neighbourhood Plan or Development Order
The Localism Act (2011) introduced new rights and powers that allow local communities to shape new development in their neighbourhoods, by preparing Neighbourhood Development Plans and Neighbourhood Development Orders.
Neighbourhood Planning is an opportunity to influence how an area will develop and is about making sure a community gets the development it needs, through the planning of infrastructure, homes, employment opportunities, leisure/service provision and community facilities such as schools, health services and shops. Further guidance on Neighbourhood Planning can be found on the government website.
How to get started
The Council has put together a Neighbourhood Planning Protocol to help local people with Neighbourhood Planning. The Protocol explains:
- How to set up a Neighbourhood Forum and designate a Neighbourhood Area
- How to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan or Neighbourhood Development Order
- How the Council can help the Neighbourhood Forum
What is a Neighbourhood Plan?
Neighbourhood Plans set out policies in relation to development and the use of land, in a particular Neighbourhood Area. Plans are intended to be a tool for positive planning and not a way of preventing development.
Neighbourhood planning is optional, not compulsory. It is up to local people to decide whether to take up the opportunity to prepare either a Neighbourhood Plan or a Neighbourhood Development Order, or both.
Neighbourhood Development Orders can grant planning permission for specified development in a particular Neighbourhood Area, removing the need for a planning application, where a proposal is in line with the order.
Neighbourhood Planning can be undertaken by two bodies - Neighbourhood Forums and Town or Parish Councils.
What is a Neighbourhood Forum?
Neighbourhood Forums are community groups that are designated to take forward Neighbourhood Plans in areas, such as Nuneaton and Bedworth, where there are no Town or Parish Councils.