Neighbourhood planning
Neighbourhood planning is a right for communities introduced through the Localism Act 2011. It provides a powerful set of tools for local people to ensure that they get the right types of development for their community where the ambition of the neighbourhood is aligned with the strategic needs and priorities of the wider local area.
What is a Neighbourhood Plan?
A neighbourhood plan is a document that sets out planning policies for a specified local area. It is used to help decide whether planning applications should be approved.
Preparing a Neighbourhood Plan
A neighbourhood plan is written by the local community (Parish, Town or Village Council or Neighbourhood Forum) as the people who know the area, to ensure they get the right types of development, in the right place.
There are three main stages to preparing a neighbourhood plan:
Getting established
The Parish, Town or Village Council or Neighbourhood Forum need to submit their proposed neighbourhood area to the local planning authority (LPA) for designation.
In an area where there is no parish council a group of local people can come together to form a ‘Neighbourhood Forum. Where this is the case the ‘Prospective Neighbourhood Forum’ will need to submit an application for designation by the LPA. [accordion ends]
Preparing the plan
Preparing a neighbourhood plan includes the development of local partnerships, community consultation and engagement, publicity and the building of an evidence base to support the plan. This process will inform the development of a vision and/or aims, which in turn inform the formulation of policy, proposals and site allocations. Community engagement is an important part of this process and will be necessary at all stages of the plan-making process. [accordion ends]
Bringing the plan into force
The proposed neighbourhood plan is submitted to the local planning authority, which checks that the proper procedures and legal requirements have been met. The LPA will then publish the plan for a six week period of public consultation, arrange for an independent examination and organise a public referendum.
Subject to more than 50% of those voting, voting yes the plan will become part of the local plan. The policies will then be used in the determination of planning applications for that area.
North East Lincolnshire Council’s role
A significant commitment is required from those involved in preparing a neighbourhood plan. The Council will provide support and advice and will undertake its statutory ‘duty to support’ those involved, this includes:
- Explaining the different stages involved
- Highlighting potential issues around compliance with the Local Plan and national policy
- Assessing the documents for compliance with statutory requirements
- Carrying out consultation
- Arranging the independent examination and arrangements for the referendum
- If approved adopting the Neighbourhood Plan
Current Neighbourhood Plans
There are currently no designated Neighbourhood Forums or Neighbourhood Plans in preparation or adopted in North East Lincolnshire.
Contact details
Spatial Planning, Municipal Offices, Town Hall Square, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, DN31 1HU
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01472 324272
Opening times: please call to make an appointment