Neighbourhood plans, once formally approved, form part of the statutory planning system but must be in conformity with the local plan for the area. There are many approaches to community-led planning, some long established and some new ones such as Neighbourhood Plans introduced through the Localism Act. But what approach is most appropriate in your area and how do you find out more about it? The process is complex, however help is at hand from many different sources.
Resources
-
Basic information on neighbourhood planning is provided on the Government's Planning Portal.
-
CPRE and the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) have produced guidance on neighbourhood planning in a joint initiative
- The Locality Network has produced helpful "worksheets"
- Gloucestershire Rural Community Council (GRCC) plays a lead role in advising and supporting communities wishing to prepare a neighbourhood plan, including assistance in gaining funding support
- Planning Aid England may also support communities preparing neighbourhood plans. It publishes a monthly e-bulletin "Upfront: neighbourhood planning news" which contains information on plans in preparation as well as useful resource material
- CPRE Gloucestershire's guide 'Planning and Localism: Choices and choosing'. (Download below.) The Guide draws on previous research for CPRE Gloucestershire Branch which examined the effectiveness of community-led planning through Parish Plans, Village Design Statements and related approaches.
- Advice on landscape issues in neighbourhood plans is covered in an advice booklet "What's Special to you". (Download below)
- Advice on heritage issues in neighbourhood plans is contained in a publication by the National Trust. (Download below)
