CPRE is funding a pilot exercise in Gloucestershire and four other counties in South West England to find out just effective the process of plan preparation is proving and whether the end result is worthwhile.  The emerging findings from the study, undertaken by Place Studio, were presented and discussed by 60 people who have been at the sharp end of the process or who are considering producing a Neighbourhood Plan in the future.  

The ensuing discussion was lively and gave a mixed picture with positive comments, but also reports of real difficulties and disappointments in some parishes.  

Delegates then broke into three smaller groups to discuss how to make most use of your Neighbourhood Plan on completion; and for those preparing plans or thinking about doing so, how to address landscape and heritage issues, and defining settlement boundaries and allocating development sites.

This was a most worthwhile day. The feedback will help Place Studio refine their research report and recommendations.  It is hoped the report will lead to a wider survey and also be influential in the development of national policy and practice on Neighbourhood Plans.